A DEDICATED team of women has raised almost £50,000 for Halton Haven over the past 32 years.

The Runcorn ladies, friends from Westfield, adopted the charity when the late founder, Dom Valdez, first built the Runcorn hospice.

They presented their latest gift of £3,000 last week.

Sadly, founder member of the group, Betty Quirk, died suddenly last year.

Shaun Pollard, Halton Haven’s chief executive officer, said: “Betty was one of the original supporters of hospice and her dedication and commitment never wavered.

“Over the years, she and her friends have worked tirelessly raising tens of thousands of pounds to keep the hospice running.

“The Westfield ladies are the hospice’s longest standing group of supporters. Every year they amaze me with the amount of money that they raise.

“They are a fantastic example of people supporting a charity, not just once, but year after year. I can’t thank them enough.”

Miss Quirk, aged 87, of Picow Farm Road, still worked part-time and got up at dawn to brave icy winds and rain to run car boots.

She helped to organise raffles, tombolas and hosted a summer garden party at her home.

She encouraged her friends to donate unwanted gifts to support the hospice.

Fellow fundraiser and close friend Pam Alker, who works at Runcorn job centre, said: “Betty got me involved.

“She was a very generous person and put herself out for anyone.

“She was the biggest hearted person I have ever met.

“She never wanted any thanks or praise. She just wanted everyone who generously donated gifts for us to sell to know that every penny was given to the haven.”

The ladies received a long standing support award to mark their loyalty at the hospice’s 30th birthday.