Elaine McLurg, who is in the middle of gruelling chemotherapy sessions in her fight against breast cancer, suffered a further setback when her home was burgled and family valuables were stolen.

Among the items taken was a laptop computer that contained family photos, and had the coursework of Elaine's 15-year-old daughter Beth saved on it.

Now, thanks to Hartlepool business partners Jamie Barnecutt and Mark Flint, Beth can do her homework on a new laptop in time to sit her GCSEs.

Jamie, who runs North East Home Loans in Park Road with Mark, is also planning a 10-mile run to raise money to help Elaine, who is unable to carry on her job as a project co-ordinator for a property developer.

Elaine, 42, said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Jamie and Mark for donating the computer.

"It has given me some faith that people do care about other's misfortunes after going through such a difficult time. We can't thank them both enough, it has really raised my spirits."

Jamie, 29, from West Park, is now appealing for businesses to get involved in the run he plans to do in three weeks' time.

"I saw Elaine's story in the Mail. She has had some real bad luck and needs some help," he said.

"I thought by the time the insurance pays out for the laptop her daughter will have done her GCSEs, so we decided the company should get one for her.

"To be honest that is one of her smaller worries as Elaine can't work because of the illness. I want to do a sponsored run and get as many businesses involved as possible to raise a good few thousand pounds and really make a difference to Elaine's life."

The burglary took place on Monday, August 25, at Elaine's home in Wooler Road, Hartlepool, five months after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Jamie is asking any businesses who want to sponsor his run or anyone who wants to take part alongside him to ring him on (01429) 222 201.