FRAN Deane has always admired people who push themselves to raise money for Grove House, the St Albans day hospice – and now she is doing it herself. Fran is deputy director of patient services at the hospice in the grounds of City Hospital, and next mont

FRAN Deane has always admired people who push themselves to raise money for Grove House, the St Albans day hospice - and now she is doing it herself.

Fran is deputy director of patient services at the hospice in the grounds of City Hospital, and next month she will be flying to the Far East to walk the Great Wall of China.

She said: "I couldn't turn down the challenge of a trek along the Great Wall. Having started by training in earnest I'm beginning to wonder what I've let myself in for. Working at Grove House I have always admired those who have pushed themselves to run marathons or jump out of planes to raise funds for us. I never imagined I would join their ranks but here I am."

Fran has been at Grove House for almost five years and is undertaking a 14-week training programme to ensure she is in peak condition to meet the challenge.

She was amazed and thrilled when her 65-year-old mother suggested the trip. She explained: "It was a challenge I could not turn down. We actually leave to fly to China on my mother's 65th birthday. What a great way to celebrate. We are both very excited."

The Great Wall Challenge takes place over nine days and is organised by Global Challenge. Fran and her mother plan to extend their stay for a few days to do some sightseeing of their own.

As part of the trek they will have the opportunity to help repair the Great Wall. A watchtower is being rebuilt and the challenge will be to aid in the process of carrying bricks from the base to the top of the wall where an expert will help to place the brick.

There will also be an opportunity to climb the strenuous 1,000 steps at Mutinaya - not for the faint-hearted.

Fran is hoping to raise at least £1,000 in sponsorship for Grove House and every penny she raises will go direct to the charity because she is funding the trip out of her own pocket.

To sponsor her go to the website www.justgiving.com/frandeane or contact Grove House on 01727 731000.

Grove House gives free care and support to local people affected by cancer and life-threatening illness. This year the service is growing and there are plans in place to provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week home nursing care.

Said chief executive Mark Lister: "This is a much-needed new service for the people of St Albans. We rely heavily on community fundraising to be able to continue to offer and add to the support we give to local people.

To find out more about the services Grove House offer, to leave a gift in your will or make a donation visit www.grove-house.org.uk or phone 01727 731000.

n Grove House has come up with the perfect Valentine's Gift - an item of jewellery for loved ones which will benefit the charity at the same time.

Rachel Jeffrey Contemporary Jewellery in Mill Walk, Wheathampstead, has teamed up with Grove House to sell a beautiful silver brooch in the shape of an elegant long-stemmed rose.

The brooch, priced at £100, is available from Rachel Jeffrey Jewellery (www.racheljeffery.com) or at Grove House on the number above. For every brooch sold, Grove House will receive £10.