A CIRENCESTER widow has spoken of her shock after more than £3,000 has been raised for charity in memory of her late husband.

Becky Hopkins, chairman of the Cirencester Link of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, has seen more around £3,500 pour in for the charity following the shock death of her 43-year-old husband Robbie in October.

She said: “I’m very shocked and very humbled by all that’s been raised. It’s just been a real rollercoaster ride since Robbie died.”

Over £1,400 was raised from the collection that took place at Robbie’s funeral, where it is thought that over 650 people showed up to pay their respects.

Since then Becky has been inundated with charitable donations from those people who were affected by Robbie’s death.

She said: “It just goes to show how much he was loved by everyone that knew him.”

All the money raised will enable the charity to bring six Belarusian children to Cirencester next summer as well as an interpreter.

There is money left over that can also be put towards days out for the children during their time in the Cotswolds.

The Chernobyl Children’s Life Line gives youngsters living in the fallout of the nuclear disaster the opportunity to spend a summer away from the harsh radiation they are exposed to on a daily basis.

Becky said: “Robbie loved bringing the children here and getting involved with everything. He was just a big kid really.

“He would have been absolutely overwhelmed by all the money that’s been raised in his memory.”

For more information on the charity, visit www.ccll.org.uk/cirencester.