A DEDICATED all-rounder introduced to Kemp Hospice through the loss of her husband has seen her fund-raising rewarded.

Rita Nash, of Hunts Rise, Bewdley, spares time to help organise events in aid of Kemp Hospice's move to premises in Kidderminster's Mason Road - as well as volunteering at the hospice once a week.

She also spends two mornings a month helping at the Kemp coffee morning at Kidderminster Library.

The latest fundraising bash she helped organise, a skittles and raffle evening held last month at Stourport Social Day Centre, has made an estimated £500 for the appeal.

Mrs Nash crossed paths with Kemp after her husband Ron died nine years ago from lymph cancer.

He was visited at home every week by a Macmillan nurse, based at the hospice.

Mrs Nash contrasted the care available to people like her husband with that on offer today - and predicted further strides will be made next year when the enlarged day care centre opens in what is now the Cedars Hotel.

And she said the revelation it is due to be ready by late spring - more than a year earlier than had originally been planned - has given staff and volunteers new hope.

"It's given everybody new impetus - it's so close," she said. "There's a new atmosphere."

The family's experiences has led Mrs Nash's daughter Belinda to ask guests at her engagement party in Hartlebury on Saturday to donate money to Kemp Hospice instead of presents.

"I'm very proud," said Mrs Nash.