FAMILY and friends of a popular Backwell woman who died of cancer have started a fundraising appeal in her memory.

Celia Upward died last month and members of her family were so moved by the support they received from St Peter’s Hospice, they now hope to raise £6,000 for some new beds which made Celia so comfortable during her final days.

Friends of the family are putting on a supper and presentation of Around the World in 80 Days at the WI Hall, Station Road, on May 11 and are asking people to come along and support the good cause.

Celia worked with Backwell Drama Club and Backwell Playhouse for 30 years, behind the scenes and catering for events, and her friends decided it would be a fitting tribute to hold a show in her memory.

Tim Lewis, who is organising the event, said: “Celia worked very hard for Backwell Drama Club and The Playhouse.

“She was always around helping with stage management and prompting and she was always very supportive of everyone.

“For 30 years Celia and my wife did the catering for over 50 shows with the drama club and it seemed natural to do something similar in her memory.

“Sadly the last five years of her life she suffered from cancer, but she was still interested in the drama club.

“She has been very much missed and certainly her influence in the club helped to keep it running so successfully.

“We’ve had wonderful support for these fundraising events, clearly because people want to support Celia.

“If we can help towards getting enough money to buy another bed we’d be very pleased.”

Her friends are hoping to raise £1,000 towards the target with the first performance and are already planning to hold a music hall in August for the cause.

Around the World in 80 Days will be told in rhyme, interspersed with musical parodies and illustrated with pictures.

Tickets, priced £10, include supper but guests are asked to take drinks along. To book call Tim on 01275 790555.

Tickets are also on sale for the music hall show from August 8-10 on 01275 462616.