A CHARITY event is taking place at a Christchurch school in memory of a popular member of the support staff who dedicated years of service.

Ann James, right, who worked at Twynham School, died just a few months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Her daughter, Sally Lebbern, and her friend , Liz Cook, have organised a coffee morning to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Taking place on April 9, the fundraiser will include home-made cakes, a tombola, book stall, and raffle.

A number of local businesses have donated raffle prizes, which include a tour of Ringwood Brewery for four people, £70 Go Ape vouchers, a spa treatment at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, a yacht trip and more.

Liz said: “Any type of cancer is a horrible disease but, thankfully, funding and campaigning has seen the survival rates for many types of the disease improve tremendously in the last few decades.

“However, pancreatic cancer – the UK’s fifth biggest killer among cancers – has been little known, poorly understood and chronically underfunded, which goes some way to explaining why survival rates have not improved in 40 years.”

The doors open at Twynham School, Christchurch on April 9, from 10amto 1pm.

For further information contact Liz Cook at lizcook83@ yahoo.co.uk or 07950 402398.

Alternatively, contact Brenda Weeks at brendaweeks@ btopenworld.com or on 01202 428004.