A MOTHER and her young daughter are preparing to help raise thousands of pounds for the charity which helped her through her emotional battle

A MOTHER and her young daughter are preparing to help raise thousands of pounds for the charity which helped her through her emotional battle with cancer.Nikki Smith will take part in the Midnight Beach Walk in September with nine-year-old Jasmine and hundreds of other women in aid of Weston Hospicecare.The 40-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer about two years ago and was recommended the Uphill-based hospice as a place for support, treatment and care.Nikki, who lives in Bleadon, said: "I attended a few sessions at the Time 4 U clinic which made a big difference."I have got to know so many people who have been through experiences similar to mine and to have a place as open and caring as the hospice is brilliant."Places like Weston Hospicecare are few and far between and we need to do as much as we can to keep and help it offer the best service possible."Nikki underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy to help her overcome the disease.To show her appreciation of how the hospice supported her she has already raised thousands of pounds by organising a 'Pink Ball' at Rookery Manor in Edingworth last year.Around £23,000 was raised at the event and Nikki is urging as many women to take part in the Midnight Beach Walk as possible to help the hospice attain the £1.7million it needs to keep it running every year.The women-only walk takes part on September 15 for five miles from the Uphill end of the beach and back.* More details will be released about the event over the coming weeks and in the meantime women who want to take part are urged to sign up online at www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/midnightbeachwalk or call 01934 423921 for more details.