Family and friends of an 'inspirational' woman who lost her brave fight with cancer have opened a special account in her name to ensure that her name lives on – and she is able to help others suffering from the devastating disease.

Lorraine Hedges, 40, a mother-of-two, died at her St Mildred's Road home in West Earlham with her husband Adrian by her side in July – three years after first being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The former Blyth-Jex School pupil wanted donations from her funeral to be split between Big C cancer charity and Breast Cancer UK. Both charities have benefited from the �1,700 donated at the funeral in August while Big C has since received a further �1,243 raised by Lorraine's family and friends at a Motown night held at Anglian Windows Social Club earlier this month.

Her brother Shaun Collingsworth, 39, from Catton, said the family had chosen Big C because of the support it gave his sister and the rest of the family at its centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital during her treatment and care.

He said they had now opened an account with Big C in Lorraine's name so people can donate money to help others who are suffering from cancer.

Mr Collingsworth said: 'It's called a lavender fund and it goes in her name. The money raised goes into her account which is under the Big C. In a way Lorraine's name is still living on.'

Mr Collingsworth said the family had chosen to support Big C because of the fantastic work it did with Lorraine and the rest of the family during her illness.

He wanted to thank all the family and friends that came together to remember and celebrate Lorraine at the Motown event and said there was another fundraising evening, an 80s night, planned for the same venue in March. Despite her illness, which by the end spread to her head, liver and kidneys, the Hethersett Junior School teaching assistant, twice competed in Race for Life, including in May when she finished the 5k course in 1hr 20mins, walking the course behind her wheelchair.

Are you organising an event in memory of a loved one? Email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk