WHEN Vicky Hewitt lost her best friend Jane Ashton to cancer she was touched by the first class care her friend received at St Rocco's Hospice.

So, both for Jane, who died aged 38, and for St Rocco's, Vicky is taking part in this Friday's Starlight Walk to raise cash for the hospice.

Vicky, 43, who works as a marketing and database specialist at the Rybrook Jaguar dealership in Warrington, hopes to raise £1,000 through sponsorship when she completes the 13-mile walk around the town.

Vicky said: "When I lost Jane to cancer the hospice was exceptionally supportive and this is my way of giving something back to them. I've had the privilege of being involved with St Rocco's on both a professional and personal aspect. Jaguar is sponsoring the hospice's golf day in July and over the last few years we have developed an effective working relationship."

Vicky, aged ?? and her fellow 1,200 female competitors will congregate in Victoria Park at midnight to begin their fundraising trek.

Since she decided to take part in the walk in January, Vicky has embarked on a dedicated training programme to make sure she's in tip-top condition for the challenge.

"Although the walk is going to be tough, it will be a lot of fun because women will use it as a means to catch up with friends," she added.

"Everyone will be spurred on to raise as much money as possible for St Rocco's Hospice."