A terminally ill Harold Park woman and her family staged a charity event to raise cash and awareness about her condition.

Brave Jean Clark, 60, who has motor neurone disease, husband Alan, 62, and daughter Tracy, 35, held their annual garden f�te, in Court Avenue, for the fifth year on Sunday.

They raised �780 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and Havering charity St Francis Hospice.

Havering Mayor Cllr Lynden Thorpe was guest of honour.

Jean said: “This year our event was made to feel extra special as the mayor kindly gave up her Sunday afternoon to support our cause.

“Throughout the whole afternoon she mingled with everybody and made all feel at ease. She made Alan, Tracy and me feel so important. The interest which she showed in my illness was so touching and meant a lot to us.”

Close friends and neighbours helped man the stalls, which included raffle, tombola, cake and also a barbecue. Alan said: “We could not stage this event without the outstanding support from local businesses. Their donations of food, wine, meal vouchers and raffle prizes make it the success it is.

“Given that we are in the midst of a recession it really tugs at your emotions when these people give so freely.”

Friends form the MNDA, British Polio Fellowship, and patients and staff from St Francis also donated and provided support on the day.

Alan added: “Despite being so poorly, Jean is an absolutely inspirational individual who Tracy and I sometimes think is indestructible. She will never give up. Neither will we.”