A COURAGEOUS woman who lost her battle against cancer after raising more than £20,000 is still saving lives.

Maureen King, who worked at Stadium Fitness in Widnes, launched a Pink Ball a year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, in March 2006.

She died 10 days before her 50th birthday, on November 30, 2010.

Her husband, Jem, aged 49, of Halton View, a Widnes firefighter, has vowed to continue her legacy, with her friends.

He said: “Maureen was a very caring person. She was gregarious and good at getting on with peopole.

“Nothing was too much trouble.

“She threw her heart and soul into raising money. She was my bright spark.”

Jem was only 17 when his mum, Marjorie, from Runcorn, died 31 years ago from breast cancer, aged 50.

Jem added: “It has been tough. It is a very cruel disease but Maureen was always very positive.”

Jem and Maureen’s friends raised £6,000 for breast cancer awareness at the sixth Pink Ball earlier this month, bringing to total to £40,000.

Nicky Fagan, manager of Stadium Fitness, said “Maureen was a fantastic member of our team and has been sadly missed for many years.

"The Pink Ball, which is organised through the staff and volunteers who come to the Stadium Fitness has been a fabulous success this year, one which we hope we can replicate it for many years to come with the support of our customers and friends.”

Halton Mayor and Mayoress, Clrs Tom and Angela McInerney attended the event at Stobart Stadium.

More than 270 tickets sold out in a few weeks.