Ref. 27835-13A cancer fund set up in memory of three-year-old Abby Smith has raised thousands of pounds for sick youngsters.

Little Abby died in July 2002 after a seven-month battle against cancer. Her family set up the Abby Smith Cancer Fund to help other young sufferers in their fight against the disease.

And thanks to people such as June Beckett the fund continues to prosper so far the total stands at around £26,000.

June, 45, read about Abby's illness in the Evening Advertiser and was so moved that she decided to organise a 24-hour darts marathon at Eldene Community Centre.

June, of Islandsmead, Eldene, said: "Helen and her family have become friends. We are glad to help. We hope to hold a disco in the New Year to raise more money."

Three years ago June's 47-year-old brother Paul Richards lost his battle with lung cancer and in March 2002 June's mother died suddenly from lymphoma, aged 74.

June met Abby's mum, Helen, and her grandmother Hazel Cherry, at their house in Wood-hall Park.

Helen, 35, a teacher at Haydon-leigh School, said: "The effort everyone has put into raising money for the fund is overwhelming.

"People always come up to us at events and say they have read the stories in the Advertiser."

Her mother Hazel said: "People are responding so well to the fund. We are very pleased."

Abby was diagnosed with a brain tumour, called a medulloblastoma, in December 2001. She died at home on July 24 last year.

Celebrities including Swindon television presenter Melinda Messenger, David and Victoria Beckham and novelist Jilly Cooper helped the fund by sending in donations for a summer auction.

Helen will be selling a selection of Christmas goodies at the Highworth podium, in Market Square, on Saturday, from 9am until noon, and afterwards collecting money at Sainsbury's in Bridgemead.

A quiz will be held on Thurs-day, December 4, at 7.30pm at the County Ground. It costs £5 a person to play.

All the money raised through the fund will go to CALM Children's Cancer and Leu-kaemia Movement, in Swindon, and the children's cancer ward at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hos-pital where Abby had much of her treatment.

Call Abby's father, Richard, on 07782 348145 for details on the quiz, or Hazel on 01793 526571.

Donations for the Abby Smith Cancer Fund can be made at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Commercial Road, Swindon. Quote sort code: 163311, account number: 10073212.

aemery@newswilts.co.uk