AN APPEAL has been launched to raise £6,000 to fund a well in South Africa in memory of a Poulton woman who died from an incurable brain disease.

Lizzie Russell died in August last year aged 62 after contracting fatal brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Her husband, Stuart (pictured), 72, has launched the "Lizzie’s Well Appeal" in her name. He wants to raise £6,000 to fund a new "roundabout" well in South Africa.

"This time last year Lizzie was fit, healthy and absolutely vibrant," he said.

"She started complaining in May that her left leg was sore. Next it was her arm, then her balance and before long she was unable to read, eat or talk.

"I am still trying to make sense of my wife’s devastating death. I want to channel my grief into something positive, something which will give other people life."

The roundabout playpump combines a children's roundabout with a pump.

As the children play on the roundabout they pump water into a holding tank at the rate of 1,400 litres per hour. Each pump can provide up to 2,000 people with fresh water.

But the system costs £7,500 to install, including the equipment, a survey and water quality testing and installation training.

Mr Russell said if enough money was raised to provide the pump, it would mean a whole community would no longer have to send its women and children on 14km round trips to collect water.

"This is an ingenious idea and one which Lizzie would have really supported," he said.

Lizzie spent eight years in Africa working for the World Health Organisation in Kenya and as a museum guide in Nairobi.

When the couple, who have four children, returned to Poulton, they ran the village post office for 12 years.

"The whole community has been really supportive so far, which has touched and moved me," Stuart added.

"Lizzie would be delighted with this project and the thought of liberating people, particularly children, by giving them means to obtain water. I hope I do her proud."

To make a donation, send a cheque to Old Vic Cottage, Poulton, GL7 5JE made out to Stuart Russell. On the back, please write "Lizzie’s Well Appeal".