LOCAL supporter Nicky Jebson cannot speak highly enough of the hospice – and to prove it she skied down a mountain dressed in nothing but black PVC and fishnet stockings.

Mother of two Nicky was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and Grove House, now part of Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care, helped her through treatment and coping with the effects.

She said: “I honestly thought a hospice was where people went to die. I couldn’t have been more wrong. At Grove House I met people who understood what I was going through, I met people who understood the impact of losing your hair, eyelashes and nails. At Grove House, they answer the ‘why me’ questions.”

Once on the road to recovery, Nicky decided to do something for the hospice, to put something back and to ensure that others could continue to benefit from the support that she had.

On a skiing trip to Val Cenis in France this year, she donned black pvc and completed a day’s skiing in the outfit before later joining the apr�s ski crowd for refreshments in the bar.

Nicky went on: “The fishnets really caused a stir. I was certainly the centre of attention, I want people to know that you can look good after cancer.”

More importantly the feat kicked off the fundraising for her biggest challenge later this year – walking in the Himalayas in October to raise money for Grove House. She explained: “I am self funding this expedition so every single penny I raise will go directly to support the hospice. Please help me to raise my �3,000 target.”

To swell the funds Nicky and her friend, Julia Potts, who will also be walking in the Himalayas, are organising a disco night at the Irish Club in St Albans next Saturday, June 10. Tickets for the event, priced at �10, are still available from Julia at jappy@fsmail.net or 07950 116428.