Tributes paid to Hebburn charity champ

Margaret Lawson would often be seen in extravagant fancy dress, taking buckets around Newcastle’s Bigg Market in aid of charity.

Her money-making exploits for charity only came to an end - after more than 30 years - following the death of friend and fellow fundraiser Olive Cook in 2011.

During their time, the pair, took part in a variety of adventures to raise cash for Children North East - with Mrs Lawson also taking part in a skydive.

The pair, both from Hebburn, became so well-known they were given the chance to meet singer Dolly Parton and TV host Noel Edmonds.

Margaret, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, died of organ failure on July 14 - aged 92.

Paying tribute daughter Pauline, 57, said: “She is such a huge miss. She was well-kknown in the area and around the clubs where they used to do their collecting.

“She done everything. She loved her fundraising with Olive and was very passionate about it.

“When Olive died, she gave it all up. She was still very active but it just wasn’t the same for her after Olive died.”

According to Mrs Lawson’s daughter, the pair had been watching TV when an advert for a children’s charity was aired and it was at that point, they decided to embark on their fundraising adventure.

She added: “At first they raised money for different charities, then they came across Children North East and that became their chosen charity.”

Margaret grew up in Hebburn and when the war broke out moved to Yorkshire to help the war effort. On her return she worked in a pawn shop, as a cleaner in a bank, she also worked in a factory and in the dairy, She gave up work to bring up her family.

Pauline said: “She was a fantastic mum. She lived for us.”

Margaret leaves behind daughters Pauline Maria and son Malcolm. Grandsons, Malcolm and Shaun, and great-grandchildren Chloe and Lucas.