Sunderland woman's 23 years of fundraising in memory of husband

A Sunderland woman will remember her cherished husband with a fundraising night - just as she has done for 23 years.

Maureen Thompson has gathered in tens of thousands of pounds ever since her husband Allan died after a four-year battle with leukaemia in 2000.

Allan wanted to help others

He was well known as the Ryhope CW Football Club manager.

She's continuing her great work at The Alexandra in Grangetown on November 18.

There will be two live acts on stage - The Hudson Singers and Scotty D Whateley - as well as a photo booth, raffles and bingo.

Tickets are £7.50 and the fun lasts from 7pm to 1am.

'He would be so happy to help sick children'

Maureen, 67, said: "It is in memory of my husband. He died in July 2000 and he was 43.

"He had leukaemia and I know he would be so happy to be helping children that were sick.

"I run these nights on my own so I am always reaching out to get raffle prizes or donations."

They've supported so many people

The couple fundraised together in Allan's final years and Maureen said: "Allan would go to hospital and there would be brothers and sisters there who were waiting for loved ones.

"They would be expected to wait in the corner and be quiet and Allan used to say 'how can you cope with that'.

One year, the couple fundraised for Sunderland Royal Hospital after Allan spotted a man in the bed opposite his.

Staff were trying to turn him over regularly and Allan and Maureen decided to fundraise for specialist equipment.

'I saw how much it lifted people'

"Up to the last year we had together, we tried to fundraised for children that were sick."

"I said I would do one fundraising event in Allan's memory. This is my 23rd.

"When I saw how much it lifted people, I wanted to carry on doing it."This year, Maureen is fundraising for three children with heart problems from the Sunderland area.

She would love to hear from anyone who can donate prizes for the night.

They can contact her by emailing [email protected]

Maureen has also set up a Facebook page dedicated to the charity night.