THE family of a Whitehaven woman who died following a rare cancer has raised £15,000 in her memory.

Janice Burns, 53, of Valley Park, battled AL Amyloidosis, an incurable condition, which is the bi-product of Myeloma cancer. She died in April 2014.

Ian, Janice's husband, and their daughter, Laura, said: “We are extremely grateful for all of the support we have received over the last two years from friends and family.

"Janice would be immensely proud and the money raised is greatly appreciated by the charity and ourselves.”

Fundraising events included Janice’s brother, Martin Cross, and her nephew, Craig Cross, who completed last year's Great North Run, a cheese and wine night, and a race night.

Sellafield Limited Waste Operations Unit, where Ian works, also donated £500. The money raised will go to the UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund based at the Royal Free Hospital in London where Janice was treated.

Janice was first diagnosed in November 2012, following a sample provided for a routine medical.

"The condition is so rare that there is only one hospital that specialises in the condition in the UK and a handful of others worldwide,'' Ian said. "Early diagnosis is very important. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, swollen ankles or easy bruising.''

Janice was advised she would be a suitable candidate for a stem cell transplant. "Throughout the whole process she showed great courage and strength, never allowing things to affect her faith,'' Ian said.

Janice was told her condition had regressed and was "elated'' but soon after she began to feel unwell.

"After 15 months, and finding out she was now winning her battle with her condition, she was unfortunately taken from us by a flu virus,'' Ian said. "It was her, and our, wish that we do all we can to raise awareness of Amyloidosis.''

Laura's boyfriend, Wayne, who was like an "adopted son'' to Janice, proposed on Laura's birthday, May 20 2014.

The couple will wed this Saturday at St Begh's Church, Whitehaven. Instead of wedding favours they have made a donation to the UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund.