A SALISBURY woman has raised more than £14,000 for Salisbury Hospice in just four days.

Jess Hirst, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow (Wednesday, June 24), is raising the money in memory of her mother Nikee, who died aged 50 last week following a long battle with cancer.

Nikee was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015 - in 2017 she was given the all clear, but the cancer returned, this time terminal.

Nikee lived in Fordingbridge with husband Andy and two children Jess and James.

On the donation page, Jess says: "My wonderful mum passed away earlier this week after a long battle with cancer, and it was the Salisbury Hospice who worked so hard to keep her comfortable and sane towards the end.

"If you could donate any money, even if it is as little as £1, it would help me to show this wonderful charity my appreciation for looking after my beautiful mum so brilliantly."

Her family said Nikee, who taught English at The Burgate School and Sixth Form, was "an extremely popular member of the local community".

Nikee cemented her status as ‘Team Mum’ at Salisbury Hockey Club during the time Jess played for the team by showing her support at almost every game, home and away.

In February, the family enlisted Salisbury Hospice to provide palliative care for Nikee.

Jess said the Hospice’s support to her mum was "exceptional, even with the added complication of Coronavirus".

She added: "They went beyond the call of duty to ensure Nikee was well looked after and comfortable during the final stages of her life".

Salisbury Journal:

Nikee died on Monday, June 15 at home with her family.

As a thank you, Jess created a birthday fundraiser on Facebook to raise money for the Hospice.

Within 24 hours of the donation page being set up, she had raised over £10,000.

The figure currently stands at £14,702, with donations still coming in.

This huge response is testament to how loved and admired Nikee was and Jess is thrilled to have been able to give back to the Hospice in such a significant way.

It is exactly what Nikee would have wanted and the family are incredibly proud.

Click here to donate.