A CHARITY that supports workers in the hospice movement should be £1,000 the richer following a Kettlewell woman's sponsored swim in two weeks' time.

Pauline Thompson, of Roebuck Bungalows, is the director of the St Columba's Fellowship, a Christian charity which was inaugurated at St Columba's House, Woking, in 1986.

It was founded by a group of colleagues whose aim was to sustain the Christian roots of the hospice movement in the expansion of palliative care services.

The fellowship arranges residential conferences, workshops and regional events offering opportunities to staff and volunteers for personal growth, reflection, mutual support and Christian fellowship among colleagues.

It also extends the hospice tradition of hospitality to those developing palliative care in other parts of the world by arranging study programmes for those visiting the UK and fostering links between countries and individuals.

Prior to taking up the directorship, Pauline, who is 60 this year, worked for 30 years at Scargill House as part of the chaplaincy team.

She worked with the community, organising conferences and helpling with the administration side of the centre.

"I was just getting used to thinking about retirement when I was approached and asked to think about becoming director," she said.

On February 6 she is taking the plunge in a marathon mile swim in support of the fellowship.

She will take to the water at Long Ashes Leisure Centre at Threshfield and hopes to complete 100 lengths.

"I have already been pledged around £800 by colleagues and friends, but hope to raise at least £1,000 by the end," she told the Herald.

An occasional swimmer, Pauline began training in earnest in September and is looking forward to the challenge. She expects several of her friends to be at the leisure centre to cheer her on.