OKEHAMPTON's Barry 'Bronco' Lane and his family presented representatives from Hospiscare with a cheque for £555 last Friday, following a poignant fundraising effort in memory of Barry's wife, Lorraine.

Barry and Lorraine's two daughters Michelle and Emma presented the cheque to Kevin Sargeant and Gay Hill, clinical nurse specialists with the charity at a special buffet dinner at the Exeter Arms.

The money was raised with a raffle of 56 prizes at Emma's 30th birthday party on October 1. The prizes were kindly donated by businesses and people from around Okehampton.

Barry and his family organised the raffle following Lorraine's request for the family to raise funds for the charity which helped looked after her through her battle with cancer. She died on September 30, the day before Emma's party.

Barry said: 'We've raised this money as a way to say thank you to Hospiscare for the amazing care they gave Lorraine during her illness. All the shopkeepers, pubs and clubs who supported the raffle have been extremely generous, and we're all chuffed and pleased with how the fundraising has gone.'

Gay Hill, clinical nurse specialist from Hospiscare, said: 'Lorraine was a wonderful lady, who fought her cancer with bravery and dignity. Everyone at Hospiscare is very grateful for Barry and his family's fundraising. Holding the raffle the day after Lorraine's passing shows great generosity.'

Barry and his family expressed thanks to everyone who supported their fundraising efforts with donations and by buying raffle tickets.