FRIENDS of an ‘inspirational’ woman who died from cancer have arranged a fundraising event to raise thousands of pounds in her memory.

The event, at Accrington Town Hall, will celebrate 100 years of Macmillan Cancer Support and the life of Barbara Donohoe, of Brigsteer Close, Clayton-le-Moors, who died last year, aged 61.

She spent almost two decades raising money for the charity.

Ted Robbins, comedian, actor and radio presenter from Crawshawbooth, Rossendale, will appear at the event tonight.

Close friend Susan Johnson, 54, the owner of Peel Park Hotel in Accrington, said Barbara’s legacy would not be forgotten.

She said: “She worked for Macmillan for almost 20 years in memory of her sister.

“She was an amazing person. She raised so much money for Macmillan, and for her to lose her life to cancer was very sad.”

Barabara, who worked for Daniel Thwaites Brewery for 30 years, served as the chairman of The Hyndburn Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support and on committees for The Daniel Thwaites Charitable Trust, The Hyndburn Mayor’s Charity and St Mary’s Church, Clayton-le-Moors.

Her commitment was recognised when she received The Macmillan President’s Medal for 10 years of outstanding service to the charity in 2001.

And in 2008, the grandmother was awarded the Richard Hambro Macmillan award in recognition of her exceptional leadership skills.

Susan worked with Barbara in her role as chairman of the Accrington Rockers, a fundraising group named after a 1960s band, who will also be part of the evening.

She said: “This event is a celebration of Barbara’s life. It’s a sell out, and we hope to raise thousands of pounds.”