A FAMILY has got to together to raise money for charity in memory of a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather.

Charlie Dodson, of Penhill, died of mesothelioma at the Prospect Hospice last month. He was 84, During his illness he was helped enormously by Macmillan Cancer Support and so members of his family decided to do something to help them in return.

They organised a special raffle as part of the charity’s A Really Good Night In campaign and were able to raise more than £650.

“We’re really pleased with how much we managed to raise,” said Zoe Dodson, 25, of Moredon who is married to Nick Dodson, a grandson of Charlie.

“Tickets were only £1 each so we are delighted with the support everyone has given us.

The companies and shops that have given prizes have also been really generous.”

They arranged the raffle along with Steve Dodson, one of Charlie’s sons, and his wife Sheree.

They were also helped by one of Charlie’s granddaughter Debbie Dodson and Nick’s sister-in-law, Trina Dodson.

They have all expressed their gratitude to those who bought tickets for the raffle as well as the companies who donated prizes.

Zoe said: “We just want to say thank you for all the help we have been given.

“Loads of shops and businesses donated prizes to our raffle and if it wasn’t for them we would never have been able to raise the money we did.”

The draw took place on April 26 and among the prizes that were donated was a bike, a free haircut and a hamper full of gifts.

Charlie was a proud grandfather of 47 and great-grandfather to 50.

Family was very important to him and even when his illness was at it’s worst they were always central to his life.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2012 and received a lot of support from Macmillan.

Zoe said: “Charlie was very important to the whole family and when he died we wanted to do something in his memory and for a good cause.

“Macmillan were really helpful the whole time.”