Thousands raised for Beacon Centre in memory of Tipton Twin Doris Hobday

Doris's family announced earlier this week that she had sadly died earlier this month at the age of 96 years old after testing positive for the virus.

A fundraising page has been set up in her memory to raise money for the Beacon Centre for the Blind – a charity close to Doris's heart.

The family said the charity helped Doris look after her husband Ray for more than 20 years when he lost his eyesight suddenly during their long marriage.

As of 4.30pm on Thursday, the page had £2,900 for the charity.

The fundraising page states: "On the evening of Tuesday, January 5, we lost Doris (one half of The Tipton Twins) to Covid.

"They became the nation's favourites and touched the lives of so many people with their positive and funny outlook on life.

"This dedicated page has been set up by her twin sister Lilian and will act as a Book of Condolence that her family, friends and many followers can contribute to a local charity very close to Doris’s heart The Beacon Centre for the Blind who supported her husband during their 65-year marriage.

"We would like to thank everyone for all their support and sending lovely messages, we ask for no flowers or cards to be sent but we want to make good out of a bad situation by raising as much money as possible in memory of Doris for this worthy charity which has lost so much money due to Covid over this last year."

After the page was shared, the Beacon Centre posted on Twitter: "We are so honoured – thank you so much to Doris Hobday’s family for choosing to support us.

"After such a tough year financially and emotionally for us as a charity, we can’t tell you how much this means to us.

"Thank you, our thoughts are with you."

Her twin Lilian donated £100 and posted: “I was lucky to spend 96 years with you by my side, I will smile because you have lived. Everyday I will miss you... but I will cherish your memory and let it live on. Love You Doris.”

Doris's funeral will take place on Monday, February 15, and she will be laid to rest with her husband Ray, whom she lost 11 years ago after 65 years of marriage.

To donate to the Beacon Centre in memory of Doris, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dorishobday.