ST PAUL'S church Longridge was filled to capacity as family, friends and members of the local community paid their last respects to Pat Walker, of Gas Street.

Mrs Walker died peacefully in Ribchester Hospital after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

Just a year ago she and her family began Pat's Purple Appeal in an attempt to raise £20,000 for Christie Hospital, in Manchester, where the group hoped to purchase a new drug which may have provided a cure for Mrs Walker.

The campaign continued and raised £19,000 in its first year. It is to continue in Mrs Walker's memory for the time being.

The money raised is now to go towards the Cancer Campaign and the new community hospital, at Longridge, which is currently under construction.

The appeal will fund the provision of cancer equipment.

Mrs Walker leaves a husband, Peter, daughters Charlotte and Rebecca and grandchildren Marcus and Rhys.