A Patna woman who hosted a garden party to support a charity close to her heart said the event was better than she could have imagined.

Lynn McIllwrick, 57, who suffers from kidney problems, held the afternoon in aid of Kidney Care UK.

Local companies, businesses and people supported by offering raffle prizes, giving donations and supporting the party on the day.

Lynn has always been keen to support charities in the past, and wanted to get behind one that has supported her so much through her own journey.

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Overall, Lynn's efforts helped raise over £2,000 to go towards the charity.

"It was a fantastic afternoon with a wonderful turnout, I'm a bit overwhelmed to be honest," Lynn said.

"The weekend totally surpassed my expectations. I'd done some home baking with my friends, so I did my best.

"It's a charity that is very close to my heart. I've been diagnosed with stage three kidney failure and I'm now classed as terminal.

"I've got multiple allergies to antibiotics, so if I get another infection again then there are no antibiotics that I'd be able to take."

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Lynn added: "I've done a few things for a lot of other charities in the past.

"I think this will be my last event because it's getting a bit too much for me now.

"It's okay on the day when I can get through it, but it takes me a few days to properly recover from it.

"I've got long Covid as well, so that affects my legs with standing about.

"I said a speech at the weekend that I fully believe, things like this aren't going to help me anymore, but hopefully it can help somebody else.

"I don't dwell on my illness and when I'm able to do things like this then it makes me feel better at the time.

"I would love to thank everyone who donated on the day and who came along and helped out in some way.

"If people still want to support the cause, the best way is to get in touch with Kindey Care UK directly."