A WHITCHURCH resident has smashed her birthday fundraising target for her favourite charity by raising more than £1,700

Jan Thornhill celebrated her 70th birthday on New Year's Eve and, because of the coronavirus restrictions, a birthday party was not possible.

So instead she decided that she wanted charity to benefit and suggested to friends and family that, instead of giving her presents, they should make a donation to Marie Curie.

Jan set a target of £1,260, and has already raised £1,777.

A retired nurse and member of the Marie Curie local fundraising group in Whitchurch, Jan said: "Marie Curie nurses were working all over Christmas and New Year so I set a target to cover every day over that period.

"It costs £180 a night to support someone who chooses to stay at home with family and friends around them.

"This has never been more important than now with Covid-19 preventing loved ones from visiting hospitals and care homes.

"We have been unable to arrange any street or supermarket collections so I wanted to contribute in some other way."

Jan says she is delighted with the outcome, adding: "This has been my best birthday present and has made my birthday a really memorable one.

"I feel so proud to have had such amazing support for this good cause."

Further donations can be made on Jan's JustGiving webpage, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jan-thornhill or alternatively by contacting the local community fundraiser, Victoria Hardy, on 07590 729 665.