THE family of a woman disabled by illness has donated cash to the centre which gave her “a new lease of life”.

Jill Harbert of Colyers Lane, Erith, attended the Independent Living Centre run by Inspire Community Trust in Whitehall Lane, Slade Green following a serious illness which meant she could no longer walk.

She went there twice a week from 2005 until her death, aged 66, in July this year.

Her husband Albert, 69, said the centre had helped his wife regain and maintain skills she had begun to lose.

He said his wife had found a new lease of life and a challenge at the centre, and had “ helped Jill to regain her confidence and also make many new friends.”

At her funeral, family and friends were asked to give donations and nearly £700 was collected for Inspire.

Mr Harbert said: “Jill would be delighted to know she was giving something back to such a worthwhile charity, and I hope this may inspire others to donate funds to develop more opportunities and services for disabled people in our community.”