A LADIES lunch, held for a popular school teacher with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has proved a resounding success. The lunch at the Eight Bells in Saffron Walden was aimed at raising funds for Sue Westgarth, a former staff member at Friends School. Th

A LADIES lunch, held for a popular school teacher with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has proved a resounding success.

The lunch at the Eight Bells in Saffron Walden was aimed at raising funds for Sue Westgarth, a former staff member at Friends' School.

The lunch for the 'running teacher' - as she is still affectionately known at the school for her devotion to getting children involved with running - was organised by parents of the school and was sponsored by many Saffron Walden retailers.

Sue said she is still overwhelmed by the hard work put in by organiser Janet Chapman and helpers Karen Riley and Keri Wells.

"They were amazing," said Sue. "Although I detest this illness it has really made me very aware of the kindness and support of others.

"The Friends' parents have been more than just parents - they have become my friends and I cannot thank them enough.

"I was slightly apprehensive about walking in beforehand as the last time some of the parents had seen me was as a fit runner. But everyone made me feel so relaxed that it was fine."

Andrew Norton, a speaker for the MND Cambridgeshire branch, addressed the 59 women present about how the MND Association supports people with MND in the community.

And the lunch raised an impressive �1600 - �400 of which will be sent to the MND Cambridgeshire branch and the rest will be sent to Sue.

"I shall be using the money to go to Florida and fulfil one of my ambitions - swim with the dolphins," Sue said.

Mrs Chapman said: "We are absolutely delighted with the support and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.

"Sue was in fine form and it says everything about her that so many ladies attended. She has had a big influence on so many people.