AN EXHIBITION of work by a Worcestershire artist who died last month raised £2,070 for the hospice where she was cared for during her illness.

Niki Alcock of Severn Stoke, near Upton, was a prolific amateur artist and during her treatment for breast cancer worked on a series of abstract paintings on the theme of battling the disease.

After her death in August her husband Roland donated one of her works to St Richard’s Hospice, where she was treated during her illness, which will be displayed at the day hospice, while a selection of others were sold to family and friends in aid of the charity.

Mr Alcock said: “It was a huge support to Niki to know that St Richard’s Hospice was there to offer care and support when she needed it and we were both very grateful that she was able to spend her last days at the hospice.

“Niki’s art meant such a lot to her and it seemed the perfect idea to raise some money for the hospice by holding an exhibition and sale of some of her work at her funeral.”

Mrs Alcock worked for Royal Worcester during the 1970s and painted under her maiden name of Niki Paynter.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care and support for more than 2,600 patients living with life-threatening illnesses and their families every year.

The charity runs a day hospice as well as a 24-hour, 17-bed inpatient unit in Wildwood Drive, Worcester.

For more information call 01905 763 963 or visit www.strichards.org.uk.