The Jacky White's market trader who is paying tribute to her late brother from South Shields

Lilian Griffiths, 71, runs LG Fashions at Jacky White’s market in Sunderland where she sells skirts, jumpers, pyjamas, dresses and other clothes for older women.

But Lilian, from South Shields, also runs a charity book stand from the market and it is a huge success.

She has supported the Bobby Robson Foundation and also gives money to ‘Big Pink Dress’ Colin Burgin-Plews to support his fundraising causes.

Lilian said: “The book counter is in memory of my brother John Williams.”

John, 67, also from South Shields, died seven years ago from cancer and Lilian also raises money in memory of her friend Anne Ashcroft who died more than two years ago.

Modest Lilian said: “It is just something I have done over the years. I used to do Comic Relief and Children In Need.”

But since John passed away, all money raised has been in his memory and Lilian added: “I know I have raised thousands of pounds but I would not like to put a figure on it.”

Books on the stall sell for 50 pence if they are paperbacks, £1 for hardbacks and £1 for CDs and DVDs as well.

The deaths of two people close to her prompted Lilian to begin fundraising for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

In two years, with every penny donated to the charity, she has raised £3,450.

Lilian says: “I’ve helped a number of charities over the years, including St Clare’s Hospice in Jarrow, which is such a miss to us all. They were there for me when I lost my brother, John, to cancer seven years ago.

“John’s best friend, Brian, would come and sit with him when he was poorly. Then Brian’s wife, Anne, also died from cancer and that’s when I thought I should do some fundraising for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“People are very kind and donate all sorts of things for the stall. It’s mainly second-hand books but there are also lots of DVDs, CDs and puzzles and things.

“The other stall holders here help where they can. And I’m very proud to be playing a part in doing something about cancer.”

Sir Bobby Robson launched his Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £14 million.

Lady Elsie Robson said: “We’re very touched by Lilian’s fundraising for our Foundation. She is a remarkable woman and, like too many of us, has experienced the pain of losing a loved one to cancer.

“To have raised over £3,000 is absolutely magnificent and we’re very grateful to Lilian and the other stallholders at Jacky White’s, who I know help support her efforts. And, of course, to all the visitors to the market who donate or buy the second-hand goods.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Cancer is a terrible disease that strikes at far, far too many of our nearest and dearest.

“All donations and contributions, no matter what their size, help make a difference.”

For more information on the charity, visit here.

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