A YEAR to the day that the former town centre chaplain Marjorie Conroy died her family gathered at her rainbow bench to hand over a donation to her favourite charity.

Marjorie, who was described as the 'saint in St Helens', died last May aged 72 after a four year battle against a rare form of ovarian cancer.

Gathering at the rainbow bench in St Mary's Market her family gathered to hand over a check for £2,000 to the HoneyRose Foundation, the St Helens based charity that grants the wishes of people with serious illnesses.

Her son Mick and daughter Lorraine raised the cash after taking part in the Manchester Marathon. The foundation which was set up by Lynn Duffy helped make the grandmother's dreams come true when they bought her a pair of Jimmy Choo designer shoes.

Mick, 54, from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire said: "My sister came over to do the race with me because mum was our inspiration. We thought on the anniversary of her passing there was no better way than to raise money for her favourite charity.

"They looked after mum so well in her final days so it was fitting to come to the bench here today. Mum loved all the generations coming together."

The rainbow bench was unveiled in tribute to Marjorie in St Mary's Market in December thanks to the efforts of the traders who were keen to reflect her vibrant personality.

Lynn said: "For Mick and all the family to be here is amazing. But Marjorie was so special. We have kept in touch and the treat me like one of the family. And this money will help fulfil at least four families wishes. And if it goes to a family like theirs all the better."