A WOMAN has set herself 50 challenges for her upcoming 50th birthday to raise vital funds for the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.

Nicky Clark from Littlehampton celebrated her last birthday in lockdown by getting her friends and family to donate to the hospice in return for a homemade cake, raising £250.

Now, she’s going one step further with a range of challenges, from visiting every Tube station in London in one day to running 50k - with one year to complete them all.

“I’ve come up with some of the challenges myself, but friends and family have set me challenges too,” Nicky said.

“My boss challenged me to give up wine for 50 days, and a family member has challenged me to dye my hair a funky colour!”

Nicky explained that her challenges have pushed her to try new and exciting things she wouldn’t normally do, such as abseiling down Peacehaven’s White Cliffs.

She has already reached her target of £1,500, which she hoped to get to by May 2022, with her next challenge seeing her taking to the skies to skydive from 15,000ft over Salisbury.

Speaking about why she chose to support Chestnut Tree House, Nicky said: “Chestnut Tree House makes such a big difference to local families, and it’s been a really difficult year for charities and fundraising.

“I’d encourage anyone to fundraise and try something new, it doesn’t matter how big or small your fundraising is, every penny helps. You can even give your time and volunteer. There’s a way to get involved for everyone!”

The hospice cares for children with life-shortening conditions and their families in Sussex and south east Hampshire, providing services like specialist short breaks, advice and information for children and young adults with those conditions, and end of life care.

You can donate to Nicky’s fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-clark57

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