A GROUP of women have handed £2,666 to East Lancashire Hospice after completing a fundraising walk to support their friend.

Stacey Joyce, 33, of Franklin Road, Blackburn, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and was seemingly on the road to recovery when doctors discovered a tumour in her brain.

The mum-of-two has had to give up her job as a mental health worker while her husband Jason has also had to stop working as a joiner so he can care for her and their two children.

Friends Leanne Kuhn, Deborah Blades and Gail Sutton wanted to help so they organised a sponsored climb of Scafell Pike in the summer.

Seventeen people took part in the walk, which along with a raffle raised £5,330, which has been split between the hospice and Stacey’s family.

Leanne said: “We would like to say a huge, heartfelt, thank you to absolutely everyone involved from the bottom of our hearts.

“Everything donated was so gratefully received.

“Stacey is recovering well, but is still under close medical observation with her consultant.”