No crisps and chocs for a year makes Laura a star

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Teenager's self sacrifice raises funds for Shooting Star Hospice

A tough year without her favourite food has finally ended for 14-year-old Brentford girl Laura Carruthers. 

Laura was sponsored to give up all sweets, fizzy drinks, chocolate, crisps, ice cream, cakes and puddings for a whole year starting from 1st January 2004. Through pure grit and determination, Laura has managed to starve off temptation and has raised an incredible £600 for The Shooting Star Children's Hospice.

Laura first heard of the charity after a visit by a member of staff to her old primary school in Brentford last year. The charity is due to open Shooting Star House, Children's Hospice in Hampton, Middlesex in the spring and will provide much needed care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families in the western half of London and north Surrey. As children's hospices receive no statutory funding, each donation, such as Laura's, is crucial to the running costs of Shooting Star House, which is estimated at £2.5 million per year.

Laura comments, "It was hard work and there were a couple times when I really wanted some chocolate, especially around Easter time when other children were diving into their chocolate eggs. But then I just remembered why I was doing it, to help all the sick children."

Mike Hey, Community Fundraising Manager comments, "This is a fantastic achievement for a young girl and we would like to say a huge thank you to Laura and all those who have sponsored her. The money raised will go directly to helping the life-limited children when the hospice opens this year."

Laura is currently collecting sponsorship money promised to her. If you would like to make a donation to The Shooting Star Children's Hospice or to find out more information about the charity or for fundraising ideas, please visit www.shootingstar.org.uk

January 13, 2005