THE family of a woman who died from a rare form of cancer have set up a charity in her name.

The Ashton Foundation aims to fund alternative treatments and offering tailor made grants to improve the quality of life of patients.

It also plans to establish an online forum to offer a platform for advice and support and promote research.

The Cure4Charley fundraising campaign was set up last year to help cover the cost of pioneering treatment for Charley Ashton from Hove.

The 35-year-old had a rare and aggressive sarcoma and chemotherapy proved unsuccessful so friends and family rallied round to find the money to cover the cost of potential immunotherapy.

She had hoped the treatment would help her spend more time with her daughter Aurelia, two, and her wife Jess.

However her condition deteriorated and she passed away earlier this year before all the money raised could be used..

Some of the money raised has gone to Sarcoma UK the Martlets hospice in Hove and the remaining £30,000 has gone to the foundation.

Charley’s younger sister Harriet Fryatt, 25, who set up the foundation, said: “Whilst sat in the hospital bed with Charley one evening and chatting about our favourite nurses, I asked her what she wanted to do when she was better.

“She told me that she would like to set up a charity that helped people just like her as well as supporting the friends and family of those affected by rare cancers.

“Charley was overwhelmed by the amount of money we were able to raise within such a short period of time.

“However, she was disappointed by the lack of funding and support there is for rare cancer patients and their families.

“I am beyond distraught that my sister cannot set up this charity herself and grow it into a successful support network.

“I do know however that she would be equally distraught if she wasn’t able to leave behind a legacy to help people like her going through the same suffering with more support and some level of peace of mind.

“I really hope I can make her proud by making the charity a success by helping people just like her.”

For more details about the charity, visit theashtonfoundation.org.