Hull Wizo has held its largest fundraising event in years, collecting thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children in memory of a former leader.

Avril Rowland died last year following an eight-year battle against cancer. She had been a community stalwart, holding a number of charity committee positions and volunteering for hundreds of hours for Jewish and non-Jewish groups across the city.

Sunday's lunch at the Pryme Street synagogue raised more than £7,000 for Wizo's student sponsorship scheme. It was one of the largest events held by the Hull community in the past decade and more than 100 people travelled from London, Manchester, Nottingham and Glasgow to support it. Mrs Rowland's husband, Anthony, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren were among those present.

Hull-born Lucille Daniels, a former chair of the British Dietetic Association, was the guest speaker. Wizo members including Laura Gold and Serena Myers shared their memories of Mrs Rowland, as did her sister, Naomi Rosenston.

Mrs Gold said: "Avril cared deeply about disadvantaged children and gave Wizo's work in Israel her full support. Her strength and courage during her illness and her determination to remain cheerful and positive at all times was an example to us all. We want her to be remembered for her good deeds, and to continue in her memory the work that was so dear to her."

We want to continue the work that was so dear to her