A WOMAN who raised thousands of pounds for cancer research while battling the disease, has died aged 64.

Jean Gratton, from Burn, near Selby, had fought cancer for five years but suffered a stroke and died in York Hospital.

In 2011, after a new round of chemotherapy, she led a group of family and friends on a gruelling, five-day sponsored walk on the coastal path from Saltburn to Filey and raised more than £3,000.

She was met at Filey by Jean Alexander, Coronation Street’s Hilda Ogden, Honorary Mayoress of Burn, who praised her determination and guts.

Jean Gratton later handed over a cheque for £5,057 to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre after a series of fundraising events, including raffles at local pubs and clubs.

Jean, who lived for many years in Westbourne Grove, Selby, is survived by her husband George, son Tony, daughter Ann Marie and grandchildren. She died the day after her 40th wedding anniversary.

George Gratton said: “She was a wonderful wife and mum and fought the cancer so bravely. I was very proud of her when she raised all that money despite being weakened by the disease. But she would not give up because she was a fighter.”

A funeral service is being held at 11am on Wednesday at Hensall, near Selby, where many of her family still live.