A NURSE is planning to slim down in order to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Laura Hill wants to lose two stone (12.7kg) in aid of the Worcester Hospice in Wildwood Drive where staff are caring for her mother.

Mrs Hill, aged 24, brought forward her wedding to new husband Michael, which was due next year, after her mum Vanessa Tarry was diagnosed with lung cancer in July.

The cancer has since spread to her bones and her lymphatic system.

After being sponsored £1,000 by family and friends in just a day and a half, Mrs Hill has now increased her target to £1,500.

Mrs Hill currently lives with her mum and dad, Adrian, in Radford, near Evesham, and has taken some time off work as a nurse at Pershore Community Hospital to spend more time with her family.

She said: “As good as the hospital has been, my mum is unable to receive treatment that will cure her condition.

“Mum is at home and enjoying special time with family and close friends and has voiced her wish for lots of fund-raising for St Richard’s Hospice, which is the hospice providing care and support for her and our family.

“I have been trying half-heartedly for several years to slim down but now I have to prove to mum that I can do it and why not raise money for a charity which is close to my heart.

“I want mum to see me in my new clothes but I am seeing it as a change of lifestyle with healthy eating and exercise rather than a diet.”

Mrs Tarry, a former nurse at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, is being supported by St Richard’s clinical nurse specialist Jenny Hull.

Mrs Hill’s husband Michael and cousin Paul Tarry are also planning a skydive in aid of St Richard’s.

To sponsor Laura’s slim visit justgiving.com/laurajaynehill.

All the services at St Richard’s Hospice are free and each year it cares for about 1,800 patients and their families.

This year St Richard’s needs to raise £4.2m to povide all the services.