A WELL-known city shop manager has fulfilled her dying wish to help Acorns build the children's hospice in the city.

More than 150 mourners turned up to pay their last respects to former James Designs employee, Doreen Greig, last week, leaving a lasting legacy of £1,197 in donations.

Inspired by Willie Sayce, who turned down the chance to sell his land in Bath Road for houses and gave it to Acorns Children's Hospice, Mrs Greig asked for every penny from her funeral to go towards helping children with life-limiting illnesses. She died of an "aggressive" brain tumour.

Husband, Richard Greig, said his wife would have been overwhelmed to see the amount of family, friends and customers who turned up to the Chateau Impney, in Droitwich, to say their final goodbyes and give generously to the worthwhile cause.

Over the last few weeks, he has received countless letters from people across the city, paying tribute to the "bubbly" 60-year-old, who died within months of being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"She ran James Designs, in New Street, for 23 years before it closed down last year and all sorts of people knew her," he said.

"She made a big impact as she was very, very bubbly and could sell anything to anyone.

"I remember her telling me how impressed she was by the chap who turned down Westbury Homes' offer to buy his land for houses and gave it to Acorns, signing it over just before his death.

"Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with the worst, most aggressive sort of tumour, in March.

"But I know she'd be happy with the legacy she has left."

For more information on how to support Acorns, call 01905 767676.

n RIGHT: Doreen Grieg