FAMILY and friends of the late Susan Nicholson have rallied together to raise £2,000 to pay for her funeral.

The grandmother-of-five, who died of lung cancer on September 27, was at the centre of a campaign last month to raise money to fly her father, Lloyd, from Jamaica to see her before she died. However, her illness was so severe that she died too soon for the travel arrangements to be made.

Another event was held at The Moonrakers in Stratton on Friday to raise money towards her funeral, and it was hoped her father would be back in time for it. Sadly, he was unable to attend due to a last-minute visa problem.

However, the evening raised £2,000 to pay for the service, which can now be booked.

Susan’s friend of 30 years, Jackie Dillon, of Gorse Hill, said of Lloyd: “He should be here in the next few days. He was booked on a flight due to arrive on the same day as the event but something happened with his visa.

“Susan was brilliant. She was a really bubbly and lovely person. That is why we had such a good response to the fundraising events. She was a very popular and well-liked woman.”

Susan, 47, a mother-of-three, was diagnosed with lung cancer in August when she went to hospital after suffering a mini stroke.

She had been complaining of headaches and a scan at the hospital showed the cancer had spread to her brain.

The former Hreod Parkway pupil went through extensive radiotherapy but doctors said she only had a few months to live.

Friends and family held the first fundraiser to pay for a plane ticket for her dad at the Green Baize last month. She last saw him three years ago when she visited Jamaica.

Susan’s son, Anton, 27, of Walcot, said: “Her dad is sad he didn’t get to see her in time. That is the main reason we started doing the fundraising – to get him here to see her. He was gutted he didn’t make it.

“But she would be proud of what everyone has done if she could see us. It is good that people care.

“She gave out so much. She always had her ears open to everyone.”

The event on Friday included a raffle, a sponsored headshave and an auction, which included Frank Bruno’s boxing gloves.

After hitting the £2,000 mark, the family can now go ahead and organise the funeral today.

For more information or to donate, contact Anton by emailing omaree@live.co.uk