A WORCESTER man retired in style by raising more than £12,000 for a city hospice which cared for one of his friends in her final days.

When Bob Pudge of Warndon Villages decided the time was right to retire from his long career with the construction industry, he and his wife Jane took the opportunity to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice, which cared for their friend and former Worcester News journalist Sarah Veall, who died earlier this year.

More than 300 guests attended the party at Holiday Inn in Stratford and dug deep to raise hundreds for the charity.

Sarah, who worked with the sub editing team at your Worcester News for a number of years, died earlier in June aged 39 after a long battle with spine cancer.

Mr Pudge said this was not his first attempt at retirement but in the past he had always been persuaded to stay on a little longer.

“This time, we thought if I held a retirement party it would make sure I did retire,” he said.

“Sarah was an inspiration to all who knew her and so we thought it would be lovely to be able to raise some money in her memory as well as celebrate this milestone in our own lives.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from individuals and local businesses who generously gave us items for our auction and raffle and from our guests on the evening who bid on items and made donations.

“Jane and I are so pleased that we are able to make this donation to the hospice to thank them for all the compassionate care they gave Sarah and her family and help ensure that this very special care is available for other families during such difficult times.”

Sarah was an avid supporter of a range of charities and £442.81 was raised for St Richard’s - which provides free palliative care for more than 2,500 patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families every year - at her funeral.

Earlier this week your Worcester News reported Sarah’s boyfriend Adrian Norsworthy was planning on running 13 marathons next year to raise money for the hospice in her memory.

He will begin his epic challenge in the Isle of Anglesey next month followed by marathons in the New Forest in February, Telford in March, Worcester and Llanelli in April, Milton Keynes in May and Liverpool in June.

“St Richard’s were superb to Sarah in the help and support they gave during her fight against the cancer, and since her death they have been incredible in the level of support offered towards myself as well," he said.

He has already topped his £2,000 target with donations still rolling in.

To sponsor Mr Norsworthy visit www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Veall-Forget-Me-Not-Fund.