THE wishes of a Liskeard woman who loved to help others have been fulfilled with the presentation of two cheques to local organisations.

Cherie Bennett was born on Christmas Day 1960, the youngest of nine children. Born deaf, she lived with many health issues. Her school days had been a difficult part of her life, said her brother Barry Bennett.

However, when Liskeard's Echo Centre opened in 1991, Cherie became a regular attendee and staff at the centre enabled her to blossom – helping her overcome speech problems associated with dystonia, and encouraging her to take an active part in life in the town.

'Over a period of time she did so well, she really flourished,' said Barry.

Through the centre, Cherie began voluntary work for the Salvation Army. Barry said: 'She was quite happy to roll her sleeves up – and she would also give people her time.'

Before Cherie died in October 2012, she wanted to make sure that everyone who had supported her was thanked, and to honour this the family have made donations in her name of £4,000 to the Echo Centre and £1,900 to the Salvation Army.

'Cherie was the life and soul of the party. She enjoyed cooking and would often bring cakes to us for special occasions,' said Echo Centre manager Helen Winchurch.

'She loved dressing up and loved a party – so we're hoping that some of Cherie's money can help us celebrate in a way she would have loved.

'We are planning to spend some of it on a lovely dinner with entertainment at St Mellion for as many people as possible that can come – we haven't got room for everyone here.

'The rest will be used to support activities we do at the Echo Centre,' Helen added.