A CREATIVE young woman is raising money for Bury Hospice by making inspirational cards in memory of her former babysitter.

Rebecca Weatherall, aged 24, wanted to do something in memory of Sarah Taylor, from Whitefield, who died of cervical cancer at the age of 28 in February.

Sarah cared for Rebecca and Rebecca’s brother and sister when they were younger in Whitefield, as their mothers were lifelong friends having worked together at Our Lady of Grace playgroup in Prestwich.

Sarah’s mum, Lorraine Taylor, has raised more than £20,000 for the hospice and was named Bury Woman of the Year in October.

Taking inspiration from her, Rebecca decided to put pen to paper and, using the hospice symbol of a sunflower, has made cards containing inspirational quotes which are available at the hospice and its shops.

Rebecca, who works in a hotel in Manchester, said: “I went to a ladies evening recently for Bury Hospice and for Prevent Breast Cancer and Lorraine gave a speech.

“She spoke about how there are 12 beds available at Bury Hospice, but how there is only funding for six of them, and that hit me hard and I wanted to think of a way of helping.

“I don’t really have an art background, but I decided to make a card and sent it to Lorraine and it has taken off from there.”

Lorraine said: “When I got Rebecca’s card, it had a huge effect on me.

“It had an inspirational quote, the sunflower on it and also a picture of Sarah on the back and I was blown away by it to be honest.

“I am so proud of Rebecca and I know Sarah would have been so honoured.”

Lorraine got in touch with fundraiser Nicola Ainsworth at the hospice who said she and staff would sell the cards, and so Rebecca has been working hard ever since.

“I have around 12 designs and have a printer at home – everything is done from home – and I include the sunflower and a positive message, with Sarah’s picture on the back,” she said.

“I am so pleased that they are going on sale at the hospice and that all the proceeds, except a small administrative cost, will be in Sarah’s memory.”

The cards are £3 each and Rebecca will also design personal cards in memory of other loved ones.

For further information email purplefeather@gmail.com.