A shadow of my former self - thanks to mum! (From Worcester News)

A shadow of my former self - thanks to mum!

11:10pm Tuesday 2nd February 2010 in

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A BUSINESSWOMAN from Worcestershire has shed four stones in weight to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice in memory of her mum.

Colette Hardiman, aged 42, from Hanley Swan, now hopes to lose another two stones after reaching her weight loss goal two months early.

Ms Hardiman has already raised £600 for the hospice which cared for her mother, Vicky Herlihy, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer last January.

She died two months later, as the cancer had already spread by the time of her diagnosis.

Through a combination of the Lighter Life diet programme and regular workouts at the gym, along with her own determination Colette has achieved her goal sooner than expected.

She said: “My first week was the toughest, I had real withdrawal symptoms from eating normal food but lost nine pounds in my first week and then I just felt great and my big motivation was to raise the money for St Richard’s.

“After my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer her GP put us in touch with St Richard’s who were incredible throughout. St Richard’s Hospice and all the wonderful people who work there were just so amazing and gave my sister, brother and I as well as all our families such wonderful support throughout. My Mum felt so loved and cared for there.”

Mrs Herlihy had home visits from a specialist St Richard’s nurse and went into the hospice at Wildwood Driver for the final weeks of her life.

Ms Hardiman said, “I was aware that St Richard’s rely on fund-raising to keep going and I really wanted to do something to say thank you for all they did for my Mum and also wanted to challenge myself in the process.

To sponsor Colette visit justgiving.com/colettehardiman1