THE daughter of a Widnes man who died of motor neurone disease is keeping his memory alive by setting up a trust fund.

Julie Dalton's father, John, died in May 2006 after being diagnosed with the debilitating disease in summer 2005.

Following his death, Julie decided to set up a trust fund in his name. All the cash raised goes directly to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Seven months later, Julie and John's friends at Our Lady's in Hough Green have rallied round to raise more than £4,000.

Pat and Mick Naughton and the Our Lady's Lourdes Fundraising Group held a fundraising night for the fund and raised £1,400 from bingo, ticket sales, raffles, tombolas and personal donations.

Julie said: 'Raising money for this fund is vital. While dad was ill, there were a number of people who helped with his care in some way and the association was one of those.

'They provided professional advice and help and I know mum really found comfort from the lady who visited us.

'So raising money in his honour and knowing that we are helping other people who are going through what we did helps us all cope enormously.

'Dad was a very giving person and did a lot for other people so we know this is something he would have wanted and he would be very proud of all his family and friends at Our Lady's for helping in this way.'

Julie also paid tribute to the Naughton family.

She said: 'We would like to say 'thank you' to the Naughtons for organising the fundraising night. We managed to raise a fantastic amount.'

Money is still flooding into the trust fund and the total is creeping up to £5,000.

Julie's girl band, Milan, are also chipping in with cash with sales from their album Home.

* If you would like a CD, e-mail julie23dolly@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www. justgiving.com/john dalton