A CHARITY night has helped to raise vital funds to help the work of two hospices.

Hundreds of people attended the event at Darlington and Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, in Longfield Road, which was hosted by Jenny Dowson, in memory of her father Alan, who died from pancreatic cancer in January this year.

With help from her workmates at Asda, in Whinfield Road, Darlington, the mother-of-three spent months organising the event which raised more than £2,000 for St Teresas Hospice and Isabel Hospice, in Welwyn Garden City, where her father was treated.

Prizes, including a stay at the Kings Hotel, in Darlington, a signed football from Middlesbrough Football Club and a number of cakes donated by local businesses were auctioned off, and Mrs Dowson’s colleagues, Thomas Johnson and Craig Tinkler had their chests waxed.

“Everyone has been so generous,” said Mrs Dowson. “I have had so much support from everyone at work, I am so grateful to them.

“I just wanted to do something to do something to raise more awareness of what these hospices do. The support given to me and my family while dad was being treated in Isabel Hospice was fantastic.”

The money will be split between the two hospices, and the Darlington branch of Amec has also agreed to match any funds raised during the night, up to £1,000.