A terminally ill grandmother's final wish to raise enough money to help people with cystic fibrosis has been granted.

We've done it - Valerie Costello, with granddaughter Katie Raymond, daughter Denise Gould and Dr Bhupinda Sihra, shows off the new vests for children with cystic fibrosis. Picture: STEVE ARGENT (38650-1)

Valerie Costello's 13-year-old grandaughter Sammy Jo had the illness. She died in May 2003. Since then, her family have been fundraising, with a target of £14,000, to buy a special vest for children with cystic fibrosis.

The family raised £12,000 but then the fundraising stopped when Mrs Costello, 64, found out she had cancer. She underwent chemotherapy treatment but was still determined the fundraisers would meet their target soon.

In August, when Mrs Costello, of Holland-on-Sea, was feeling a bit better, the fundraising campaign started up again.

Combined efforts have meant that £17,000 has been raised, topping the target figure by £3,000.

Mrs Costello said: "I am over the moon. Words cannot say how I feel."

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Published Wednesday, October 6, 2004

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