A QUIZ night will be held to help raise money for a pensioner conned out of £1,000 saved for her dying sister's funeral costs.

Daphne Bumstead, of Geraint Road, says two men claiming to offer free locks and security sensors knocked on her door on February 11.

The 78-year-old says she invited them into her home to look around.

But after convincing her to show where she kept her savings, she was distracted while one of the men stole the £1,000 cash hidden at the bottom of her wardrobe.

She says her 82-year-old sister Doreen Thorne, of the same address, is dying of lung cancer and the money was going to be used to pay for her funeral costs.

Now the Lewisham Lib Dems have pledged to raise the amount stolen by holding a fundraising quiz night at the Downham Tavern, in Downham Way, Downham, on March 19, from 7.30pm.

Mrs Thorne says since the incident neighbours, councillors and other members of the community have offered help and support to her and her sister.

She said: “I want to acknowledge the people who have offered us help. We can’t thank them enough. What a true lot they are and as Londoners they have come up as a Londoner would.”

Tickets cost £3 per person and to book your place call 0208 314 7747.