Heartbeat’s Tricia and her mum back Christie fundraiser

LOTTERY launch: Tricia Penrose (right) with mother, Sue Gordon, as they launch The Christie charity weekly lottery

OLDHAM-BORN actress Tricia Penrose and her mum have joined The Christie to launch a weekly lottery.

Tricia - best known for her role in “Heartbeat” - is keen to support the cancer centre since her mum Sue Gordon was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and began treatment there.

Almost five years later, Sue (61) has astonished doctors by responding so well to treatment.

Tricia (45), who lives with husband Mark and her family in Cheshire, said: “It was horrible when we got the news about my mum. At best, people with stage three lung cancer are lucky to live for a year. I was so worried.

“Without The Christie and the amazing care they offered my mum she wouldn’t be here today.

“The money raised through the lottery will help fund research that will make sure other mums and daughters get to spend precious extra time together.”

Sue added: “I’ll be celebrating five years of being cancer free this July thanks to The Christie - five years I’ve enjoyed with my daughter, her husband and my wonderful grandchildren.”

The duo helped to launch the new Christie charity weekly lottery. Each £1 line helps to fund the hospital’s work, 50p of it going directly to local treatment. Players have the chance to win cash prizes of up to £25,000.