The family of a young woman from Alkrington, Middleton who died aged just 28 from cancer have set up a tribute fund in her memory.

Alison Cooney was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer on the 9th January this year and sadly died on the 20th February, less than two weeks after her 28th birthday.

Her family - mum Ann, dad Danny and sisters Lauren, 27 and Katie aged 30 - are now determined to keep Alison's memory alive by raising money for The Christie where she was treated. They have set up a fund called 'Alison's Rainbow' and have already raised over £10,000.

Ann said; "We all miss Alison massively and not a minute goes by that we don't think about her. We can't believe she was taken from us so soon, when she had so much to live for. She was gorgeous and so much fun.

"The care that was shown to Alison and our whole family at The Christie was exceptional and we want to repay that by doing all we can. So far we've raised money for eight special reclining armchairs on ward 11 where Alison spent her last few weeks."

The family have raised the money so far through various charity nights and donations at Alison's funeral and her boyfriend Damien Harte, who lives in Coventry, has also been involved with lots of fundraising.

Next month Alison's sister Lauren will be taking part in the Great North Swim which is a one mile open water swim in Lake Windermere. The event is now in its third year and hopes to grow into the largest swim in Europe.

Lauren said; "I'm really looking forward to it and would really appreciate it if anyone could sponsor me by visiting www.justgiving.com/lauren-cooney. Please give all you can and help me raise as much money as I can for this fantastic hospital and in memory of an amazing person and sister whose life was cut so short."

Other fundraising events in the pipeline for the next 12 months include a Gala Dinner at the Norton Grange Hotel in Castleton in February and a car wash later this year.

Ann added; "Once we have raised over £15,000 Alison's name will be placed on a special memorial tree at The Christie called the Tree of Hope. She'll always be with us in our hearts and memories anyway, but having her name on the tree will give us somewhere to go and remember her life."

The Tree of Hope is a brass tree mounted in the gardens of The Christie and holds the names of people whose friends and family have raised more than £15,000 for the cancer centre in their memory. It is a permanent dedication to patients who have sadly lost their fight against cancer, and is also a way of saying thanks to those who raise such substantial amounts in honour of their loved ones.

Community fundraising officer at the Christie charity, Jacky Plant, said; "It's just unimaginable what this family have been through this year, yet they're showing such selflessness by wanting to help others and raise money for The Christie. They're such a loving, caring and kind bunch who can't do enough to help. It's been such a pleasure to get to know them, despite the circumstances of course."

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