A FUNDRAISING campaign for cancer victim Zoe Milton has raised more than £80,000 in three months.

The campaign, which was set up to raise funds for Bolton Hospice, closed on November 10, after thousands of pounds were raised when it went viral on Facebook.

Zoe, from Horwich, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in December last year, less than 12 months after giving birth to son Charlie.

She died on September 21 — the day after the campaign in her honour reached £10,000.

Jane Walker and a team of volunteers have overseen the running of the campaign and have received 1,500 donations since August.

Mrs Walker had initially expected to raise £70,000 by the time the JustGiving page closed, but has beaten her target by more than £10,000 with a final figure of £81,020.

The 48-year-old, who lives in Rossendale, said: “It’s absolutely remarkable that we managed to raise much for the hospice — it feels like just yesterday it was at £1,000.

“This campaign shows how selfless, humble and considerate people can be.

“Everybody involved has been fantastic — 95 per cent of us didn’t even know each other, but we have become a family because we were united by this great cause.”

There was a huge push in the final few weeks to get the final amount to £80,000.

A dressage day in Zoe’s memory took place at Abram Hall Ring Club, near Wigan, where she used to ride, and raised £2,200.

Mrs Walker and her team also auctioned a day of horse-riding with British equestrian Chris Bartle for £900.

Alice Atkinson, from Bolton Hospice, said: “Zoe’s story has inspired many people and as this remarkable effort to raise funds in her memory draws to a close we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to achieving this fantastic total."

The final amount raised will pay for the specialist 24-hour care of a further 11 in-patients, like Zoe, at Bolton Hospice.