Avis Lorrains, of Abbot's Road, now relies on a permanent oxygen tank to help with her breathing.

Husband Michael said without the help of nurses at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, Avis would have died, and he is organising a fund-raising event to show his gratitude.

The blood clot happened last year.

The event at the Friendship Rowing Club on Saturday 31 May sees a raffle, tombola and a singer performing to entertain the crowds, while raising money for Ward 4 at the hospital.

"The staff at James Cook were fantastic and without them my wife would not be here", said Mr Lorrains.

"They looked after her ever so well and I wanted to show my appreciation."

Mrs Lorrains said the hospital staff and nurses were extremely helpful.

"The nurses were fantastic and couldn't do enough for me," she said.

"They were very good and nothing was a problem for them."

Her illness has left her with less independence because she needs the oxygen tank at all times.

"I'm alright when I am sat around but it is when I have to move I have problems," she said. "I need to have the oxygen tank with me all the time and I especially need it on all night as I cannot sleep without it."

Mr Lorrains said he was delighted with the response of the people in the town to the evening, to the extent he ran out of raffle tickets.

He said he expects the rowing club to be full and added 30 nurses from the hospital would be attending the night.

"I had £400 worth of tickets and they all went straghtaway so I have had to order another £100 worth, which I expect will sell quickly too.

"I'll be in the Co-op on 17 May to sell the rest of the tickets".

Some of the raffle prizes include a signed Middlesbrough football shirt and autographed Derby County and Hartlepool United footballs.

And Mr Lorrains said he was extremely grateful to the people who have helping organise the night and thanked the many people who have donated towards the event.

Tickets for the evening are £5 with raffle tickets 20p each and anyone wanting to buy tickets should contact Michael on (01947) 605062.