A WOMAN is to tackle a sponsored walk in aid of a hospice which transformed her mother’s quality of life.

Karen Dobson noticed a marked improvement in her mother Anne Nixon’s health after she began visiting St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham, in December.

Mrs Nixon, 65, from Bearpark, near Durham, has suffered two heart attacks and her condition worsened in March 2009.

Mrs Dobson, from Ushaw Moor, said: "Apart from her frequent trips to hospital, mum wasn’t able to leave her house for nine months.

"Within a few days at the hospice, mum was literally glowing. It was an astonishing improvement."

Mrs Nixon said: "I can’t put into words how much the hospice has helped me - I feel like a person again. Knowing that I can come back here in a few months will keep me going."

Mrs Dobson will take part in the ladies-only Midnight Walk for St Cuthbert’s Hospice on Saturday, June 19, in Aykley Heads, Durham.

Organisers hope 1,000 women will take up the challenge.

Registration costs £10 per person, plus sponsorship. For more information, call Rachel Jobson on 0191-386-1170 or visit stcuthbertshospice.com The closing date for entries is Sunday, May 23.