A FUNDRAISING grandmother held an evening of thanks to all the people who have helped her raise more than £6,500 over the last two years in memory of her late husband.

Ila Shah, from Great Lever, has worked tirelessly to raise money for Diabetes UK — the disease which her husband Nanibhai Shah had for 20 years up until his death in November, 2012.

Last year Mrs Shah, aged 71, raised £3,164 for the charity by arranging a sponsored walk around Leverhulme Park, and this year she beat that by raising £3,460 with the help of friends and family, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Temple in Chorley Old Road, and Bolton Hindu Forum.

At the celebration evening, where she handed over the remaining money to the charity, Mrs Shah said: “I am very, very happy that I have raised all this money for a charity which is close to my heart.

“If the money can help anyone like my husband then that is all I can hope for.”

Jo Cunnah, who is currently regional manager for Diabetes UK North West, said: “We couldn’t do what we do without brilliant and dedicated fundraisers like Ila to help us raise funds.”