PEDAL power is being used to reel in some much-needed funds for a Worcester charity.

St Richard's Hospice, which looks after people with life-limited illnesses, is looking for money to pay for a specialist nurse in palliative care.

And top businesswoman Louise Hewett has taken on the task of raising the necessary £30,000 - by, among other things, organising a bike ride.

Louise, who runs Hewett Recruitment, was named Worcestershire Businesswoman of the Year in 2000 and has vowed to put the award to good use.

"The award meant a great deal to me and also made me think how fortunate I was," she said.

"I wanted to help a charity and so I paid a visit to St Richard's.

"The experience really touched me - I didn't realise just what a good job they do.

"I am determined to raise that £30,000 and I need all the help I can get."

Louise is now encouraging other firms in Worcestershire to help her out.

She has already raised £13,500 of her target, but is in desperate need of aid from others.

"I've held several sponsorship events already but I do need more people to dig deep into their pockets to help this worthy cause," she added.

"The bike ride I have organised from Barmouth to Dolgellau is a perfect opportunity to do this."

The bike ride is due to take place on Sunday, June 8. Anyone who is interested in taking part should call Hewett Recruitment on 01562 69090.

n Businesswoman Louise Hewett prepares for her bike ride in aid of St Richard's Hospice. Picture by John Chapman. 21200202