Splashing cash job for Beverley

The mother-of-two has just become a St Catherine's Hospice community fund-raiser for the South Ribble area.

Beverley, 43, who lives in Fulwood, Preston, will be doing her best to get individuals, shops, businesses, pubs and clubs to donate cash and help the Lostock Hall hospice.

And one of her first challenges -- especially aimed at local businesses -- is to take the plunge at a water sports team building day in support of St Catherine's.

"My personal hobbies involve a lot of sports and I would like to get corporate clients involved in this," said Salford-born Beverley.

Her fund-raising patch covers Leyland, Chorley, Adlington, Withnell and Brinscall.

She is a keen water skier and wake border, which is similar to snow boarding, and enjoys practising with friends on Lake Windermere.

On a wider front, Beverley reiterated the need for more general volunteer help for the hospice.

This includes staffing the charity's shops, carrying out door-to-door collections -- and more.

"If people don't want to commit their time in the the shops we are looking for people with special skills, maybe checking electrical equipment, videos, or toys to make sure they're safe," she added.

A former graduate of Manchester Polytechnic with a BEd in English and psychology, Beverley, who has lived in the Preston area since 1984., is no stranger to charity work, having previously fund-raised for Barnardo's. She came to St Catherine's following a year working in pre-vocational training for young people.

Local events coming up include an Autumn Ball on November 17 and a Christmas dance on December 8, with venues to be decided. The hospice's annual carol service is at St Saviour's Church, Lostock Hall, on December 10.

In addition, friends and family can also 'Light up a Life' by sponsoring a light bulb in the grounds of St Catherine's to commemorate the passing of a loved one there.

Anyone who wants to volunteer their time, or raise funds for the hospice should ring 629171.