A PATIENT at St Leonard’s Hospice has raised more than £30,000 for the charity this year.

Nicky Howard, along with her friends and family, have raised £27,413 for St Leonard’s Hospice, from a combination of friends and family donations, a charity garden party and a sponsored challenge.

Nicky was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 40, when her children were 5 and 17.

She had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment at the time, however, five years later the disease returned in her brain and liver.

She was referred to the hospice’s Sunflower Centre for a 10 week course and attended the centre every Wednesday.

She said: “During my time there I have met some amazing staff and volunteers, and I have made a lot of fantastic friends. I have had complementary therapies, have spoken to counsellors, seen a GP and have started doing crafts again for the first time since school – it’s amazing to have discovered something I didn’t know I liked with help from Carol, who is amazing!”

Nicky’s eldest son, Jack, decided he wanted to help with some fundraising, and decided to take on a Yorkshire Warrior event, a 20km course with tough obstacles. Having not done a huge amount of exercise before, he had help and training from family friend Phil Scaife who is ex-army.

His younger brother, Archie, did his bit too, completing the 2km obstacle course with his friends.

Dawn Clements, director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “We are overwhelmed by the hard work Nicky has put in - and all whilst undergoing treatment for cancer.

“She has raised a phenomenal amount, and it’s so heartening to see her friends and family rallying to support her.”