Volunteers from Cancer Connections were delighted with the cash from the Barbour Trust.

It holds counselling and complementary therapy sessions at West Harton Churches Action Station, in South Shields.

But it's outgrown the Boldon Lane base, and needs £300,000 to buy a dream home in Harton Lane, South Shields.

Dame Margaret Barbour said: "The Barbour Trust was very impressed with the work that Cancer Connections has done to date in helping South Tyneside people and their families affected by cancer.

"We were delighted to be able to award the charity a donation of £50,000 to go towards the purchase of a property to continue their good work."

The charity has launched a buy-a-brick appeal to give people the chance to donate anything from £5, and receive a certificate in
return.

Secretary Reg Hall said: "We are absolutely delighted by this wonderful generous donation from the Barbour charitable trust.

"It's a terrific boost to our buy-a-brick appeal, and we hope it will encourage other major donors to contribute to the fund.

"This money has brought the fund to almost £100,000, with the rest of the money coming from fundraising and individual donations."

Cancer Connections also runs Community Challenge, part of its buy-a-brick scheme, which calls on businesses and other organisations to pledge to raise £500.

The Barbour Trust was formed in 1988 when Dame Margaret Barbour gifted 20 per cent of the shares in Barbour, based in South Shields, to the Trust.

The Trust is financed by dividends from the world-famous wax jacket manufacturer, and from time to time, personal donations from Dame Margaret.

To date, the Trust has made grants in excess of £8m, mainly to North East England charities and various cultural projects, such as the Sage Gateshead and the Laing Art Gallery.

To make a donation, call Cancer Connections on 456 5081, or e-mail info@ cancerconnections.org.uk

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