A DISCO-DANCING 81-year-old is using her skills with a brush to raise money for a cancer charity.

On her upcoming 82nd birthday, Leigh artist Sheila Appleton will raffle a 2ft by 3ft acrylic painting of dancers at aTalk of the South reunion, which she regularly attends.

Proceeeds will go to the World Cancer Research Fund, which she has supported since 2007.

Sheila, of North Street, said: “I used to go to grab-a-granny nights and the Talk of the South reunions, at Chameleon nightclub, and did some sketches of the dancers.

“This painting comes from those sketches.I love dancing as much as painting so this really combines my two passions.

“Cancer is a terrible disease. My mother had cancer and my late partner’s daughter died of cancer and she was such a brave person. For me, focussing on research and prevention is the best way to face the problem.”

Sheila raffled a similar painting two years ago for her 80th birthday, raising £300. She painted it at Old Leigh Studio, in Leigh High Street, where she has been based for the past 21 years.

The raffle for her painting will be drawn by Leigh councillor Alan Crystall on Friday, September 13.

Sarah Himelfield, events fundraiser at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “We’re really grateful to supporters like Sheila, who enable us to fund research into how people can reduce their cancer risk.

“It will help us pay for health information projects to raise awareness about the lifestyle changes that can help cut risk.”

To enter the raffle, contact Sheila on 01702 470490, visit her website at www.sheila-appleton.

co.uk or visit her at the studio.