A GIFT of more than £1,000 has been donated to Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Centre in memory of an inspirational woman.

Gloria Lightfoot, from Widnes, lost her battle with lung cancer in August.

Her family presented £1,188 to the charity on what would have been her 73rd birthday.

Gloria’s granddaughter Tara Fraser staged a three-hour sponsored Zumbathon with the Diva Fit UK Zumba dance class she runs.

Businesses also made generous donations.

Gloria had been an active and much-loved member of the centre’s Hugs Club, a support group which meets on Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Nicola Donoghue, operations manager at the centre, said “Gloria was a real character. She lit up any room as she entered it.

“She faced even the toughest trials of her illness with courage and humour and is missed by all of us.

“We really do appreciate the generosity of her friends and family in making this fantastic donation.

“As a registered charity we rely on donations from the public to allow us to provide the services we do to support local people touched by cancer.”

Gloria inspired Tara to organise a charity night last year, which raised a further £1,500 for the centre.

Mum-of-two Tara, 30, from Halton View, said: “My nan was in a wheelchair but really enjoyed the evening.

“The centre is brilliant and gave her a lot of help. We wanted to thank them.”

Gloria’s daughters Karren Fraser-Knight and Susan Lightfoot-Isherwood joined Tara and family friends Cheryl Cannon and Lynne Appleton to present the donation.

The centre offers advice, information, counselling and support to anyone touched by cancer. Art workshops, beauty treatments, exercise classes and complementary therapies are available.

Various support groups offer practical help, fun and friendship.

The centre in Alforde Street is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

For more details, or to become a volunteer, call 0151 423 5730 or e-mail info@widnesandruncorncancersupport.org.uk.