A HEALTHCARE assistant from Worcestershire who is in training to climb a mountain next year has already raised £2,000 and lost three stone.

Laura Worrallo-Hickman, from Bransford, near Worcester, will tackle Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, to raise funs for St Richard’s Hospice.

The 23-year-old, who lives at home with her parents, and younger brother, will take part in the Summit Challenge in October next year.

She is hoping to raise over £3,000 for the charity which is based in Wildwood Drive, Worcester.

She has raised more than £2,000 so far through coffee mornings, car boot sales, and summer parties.

Her brother James, 12, has also helped her fundraising.

Miss Worrallo-Hickman said: “I initially went to St Richard’s to volunteer, but I have been fortunate enough to now work there as a relief health care assistant and I love my job.”

She added: “To say this place has had an effect on me would be an understatement, the staff are wonderful and really do care for the patients who they look after.”

Miss Worrallo-Hickman also hoped the challenge would spur her on to lose weight and has so far lost three stone.

She plans to lose another two stone and will start her major training in January.

To sponsor her visit justgiving.com/lauraworrallohickman