A GRATEFUL widow has thanked people for their continued fundraising following her husband’s death.

David Barnes, known as Barny, died in August at the age of 53 following a battle with myeloma.

His wife Shirley has praised the community for their fundraising efforts.

Mr Barnes’ daughter, Stacey, said her dad “fought like a Viking” and at his funeral in Christ Church, Little Broughton, crowds of mourners gathered to pay their respects, with £2,200 raised for worthy causes close to the family’s heart.

The money has been split between Myeloma UK and the Henderson suite at the West Cumberland Hospital.

Shirley and her late husband, from Little Broughton, raised more than £20,000 for Myeloma UK in their time. And since he died, a number of further fundraising events have been held.

A charity night was held on September 14 with live entertainment from The Unlikely Lads and an auction.

A further £300 was donated by the Broughton line dancing group.

Mr Barnes’ uncle, Malcolm McClure, led The Unlikely Lads onstage and vouchers for the auction were donated by Iggesund Paperboard – Mr Barnes’ former workplace.

The event raised a further £1,800 for the charity.

Mally Martin, who attended the evening, said: “They have done well over the years.”

Mr Martin has also been involved in the Browton 7 bike ride which recently gave £1,000 to the charity.

The charity night was organised by family friends Ralph and Trish Palmer, who asked for Mr Barnes’ blessing before he died to hold the event.