FAMILY and friends of a woman who died just months before she was due to get married have launched a fundraising campaign in her memory.

Daphne Jayne Dale was 30 when she died in the intensive care unit at Royal Preston Hospital, just days after a sudden brain haemorrhage last November.

Now a fundraising event has raised £2,750 for the unit -- and prompted her mother to issue a public thankyou to everyone involved.

Last week, St John's Community Centre, Padiham, was packed with people giving generously to thank the hospital that cared for Daphne in the days before her death.

A graduate of Huddersfield University with a BA Honours in History and Politics, her death came seven months before she was due to marry.

She moved to Preston for her work as an executive officer in the civil service 12 months before her death, and was to have married her fiance Mark Robinson, 35, in June.

Daphne's mother Hazel, of St George's Road, Nelson, said: "She was completely fit and well. It's a complete mystery why she died, there was no explanation.

"She was very popular, she was always there to help anyone. When she was younger she used to help out at charity events and she was involved in helping children with learning difficulties."

Over 200 people attended Daphne's funeral. The idea of a fundraising event was thought of while Daphne was still in hospital. Mrs Dale said: "The staff were so good -- they tried everything possible, nothing was too much trouble. The whole family wanted to do something to say thank you for the care they gave her."

Although nothing is planned to follow the success of the fair, which included a mini auction, raffle, tombola and various stalls, it is possible the hospital may benefit from other charity events planned by Daphne's aunt.

Mrs Dale added: "I would like to thank all Daphne's family, friends and colleagues, because without them all this would not have been possible. Everyone was so generous. I was overwhelmed by the support, it was fantastic."