A MOTHER and her daughter are turning circles to raise money for the hospital which saved their singing hero.

Mary and Michelle Lowe, pictured, will climb aboard Blackpool's Big Wheel for a 12-hour marathon in aid of the Joe Longthorne Gene Scanner Appeal at Leeds General Hospital.

The pair, who attend one of Joe's shows every week, completed six hours on the Central Pier attraction in 1995 but are determined to double their efforts this time around.

Mum Mary told the Citizen: "Michelle wanted to do it on the Big One this year but I was having none of that.

"We both really enjoyed it last time - the ride was really smooth and the time went by so quickly. The operators were great too, announcing how we'd done after every hour. Now we've got the pier's support again."

On their first attempt the Lowes, from Northumberland Avenue, Blackpool, raised £378 for Joe's day care centre appeal at Leeds General where he was treated for lymphona, a form of leukaemia.

Being huge fans, the Lowes wanted to do all they could to help. Said Mary: "In our opinion he is the best entertainer around and if we could afford it we would go every night.

"We are very happy to ride the Big Wheel to help a charity which we know is very dear to Joe's heart."

Sponsorship of £200 has been raised so far for the event on September 20. Anyone who would like to add to this should call 595602.

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