The memory of a respected Cumbrian mayor is the driving force behind a bid to raise thousands of pounds for a top cancer unit.

Paul Pearson, who was the mayor of Wigton between 2012 and 2013, died just a few days before Christmas following a near year-long battle with cancer.

The 63-year-old from Oulton, just outside of Wigton, was well-known in the area having been a serving member of Wigton town council and Woodside parish council.

He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in January last year and was having treatment at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) but on December 22 he passed away at home surrounded by his family.

In a bid to make sure some good comes from Paul's death, family friend Paul Radcliffe has decided to lead a fundraising drive for the Northern Oesophago Gastric Unit at the RVI where he was treated.

Mr Pearson's wife Cathy said: "While we over there we found out about the charity which supports the unit.

"Paul said if anything ever happens to him he would like donations to go there. It was a very good place, he received excellent care."

A sportsman's dinner has been arranged for Friday, April 28 and will be headlined by former Manchester City footballer Steve Daley.

In 1979 Daley's move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to City broke the British transfer record with a £1.4m fee.

But his move turned out to be flop and he was since been described as "the biggest waste of money in football history". However, the 63-year-old has carved out an impressive career as an after dinner speaker and has been regularly placed among the best in the industry.

Mr Radcliffe, who'd known Paul for around 28 years, told The Cumberland News he'd decided to organise the event because his friend was "held in such high esteem in the town".

"It wasn't just for his council work either. He was known as Mr Fix-it. If you needed anything fixed then Paul was who you would call," he said.

At his funeral earlier this month Mr Radcliffe said: "He was totally dedicated and committed to serving the community of Wigton, helping out at last year's carnival despite his illness and Cath insistent he stayed at home.

"Paul displayed all the qualities I would want to aspire to: tremendous strength and depth of character, courageous, brave, a true friend and inspirational role model for anyone serving in the community or contemplating a role in public office."

As well as the ex-footballer making an appearance the band Misfit have also offered their services for evening at the Greehill Hotel, near Wigton.

They're hoping to raise between £5,000 and £6,000 from the event.

"The type of cancer it was is one of the biggest killers," Mr Radcliffe added.

"It's really difficult to detect as well so they need as much help as possible to do the research."

Mr Pearson, who was born in Manchester, was also well known in the area as a BT engineer, a company he worked with for more than 30 years.

After taking early retirement in 2004 he became involved with St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Workington, where his wife is headteacher.

Initially he began as a volunteer teaching computing after school but ended up with a job as computing manager, a post he remained in until his death.

Paul is survived by wife Cathy, daughter Anne-Marie, son Christopher and three grandchildren Alife, Louis and Erinn (CORR).

* Tickets for the dinner are priced at £35 and will be available initially from Paul Radcliffe on 07813327305.