A MEMBER of staff from a Halesowen opticians has helped raised more than £1,300 for Mary Stevens Hospice after taking part in a four-hour body combat marathon.

Lorraine Chew, shop floor supervisor at the Specsavers store in Cornbow Shopping Centre, was part of a team who punched and kicked their way to a fantastic fundraising total last month as part of an event at the Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.

“It was certainly a challenge, but I had lots of fun,” Lorraine said. “I’m blown away by the support from staff, friends and customers who helped me raise more than £300.

“Everyone has been so generous, and I truly can’t thank them enough.”

The funds will go towards the Dudley borough hospice which provides specialist care and support for people who are living with an incurable illness, as well as their families.

The Halesowen opticians made a generous donation of £150, with store director Shahid Parvez saying: “We’re very proud of Lorraine. She’s a great example to the rest of the team at Specsavers in Halesowen.

“It’s really encouraging to see that the local community always comes together and makes a great effort to give what they can when it comes to fundraising.”