A STOURPORT woman has raised more than £1,500 for mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.

Sally Reedman held a garden party for her family and friends at her home in Frances Road, in memory of her husband, Michael Reedman, who died from the disease in November 2012.

About 140 people crammed into her garden and donated money for the refreshments which included homemade cakes and coffee.

Mrs Reedman said: “I’m delighted with the final total of £1,575 - it’s a phenomenal amount so I'm over the moon.

“I’ve not got the biggest garden but I am still able to fit in a lot of my family and friends, who have helped me greatly.

“All work that family have put in to the day would mean nothing if we didn’t have the people turn up and donate."

It was not the first time Mrs Reedman had held a fundraising garden party in her home. Last year she was able to raise £700 for the disease but has more than doubled that amount this year thanks to a raffle full of donations.

Prizes included meals out for four, afternoon tea in The Cube, in Birmingham, a golf day for four, cuddly toys, hampers, bottles of wine, a garden centre voucher and a bottle of whiskey.

Mrs Reedman said: “It was a great day and our fantastic raffle was able to raise £643 on its own.

“We had some great top prizes, including a VIP day at Birmingham City Football Club, which was worth about £500, and tickets for the Severn Valley Railway.”

During the event, money was also raised from competitions and party games, as well as a small craft store.

Mrs Reedman added: “I’m so grateful for the help in raising all this money to go toward not just helping out the sufferers of this awful disease but also to raise awareness of it.

“I’m very, very grateful for the support and cannot thank people enough.”