By Leicester Mercury | February 14, 2013
An inspirational youngster who lost her step-mum to cancer last month wants to raise thousands of pounds in her memory.
Determined Katie Whitsey, 10, started collecting money for LOROS at the funeral of her step-mum, Rebecca Whitsey, who died at the Leicester hospice in January.
To add to the £1,600 she has raised so far, Katie, from Syston, is taking part in the LOROS Paws 4 a Cause walk on Sunday, March 3. She will be doing the 4km walk at Abbey Park with her two dogs, Marlon, a Jack Russell, and Belle, a springer spaniel-cross.
Katie said: "I wanted to raise money for LOROS because they had helped my family so much. "When my step-mum was sick they comforted her and when I went to visit her at LOROS they were really nice and friendly.
"My step-mum liked it and I think it was better for her than being at home."
Rebecca's sister, Louise Stapleford, of Anstey, said she was proud of Katie for raising the money.
She said: "Katie has been really keen to raise money in Rebecca's memory and at the funeral she took around a collection box and raised lots of money for LOROS, relentlessly following people to the bar and getting their change for her collection.
"She set up the Just Giving page two days before Rebecca died.
"Katie was upset when Rebecca was in LOROS because we all knew she was going to pass away.
"LOROS looked after her so well and we were all really impressed by them."
Rebecca, who was married to Katie's dad, Craig, for more than three years, ran in last year's Race for Life.
Louise said: "She was in recovery from a course of chemotherapy when she did the 10km run for Cancer Research UK.
"She was in pain but she wanted to do it and raised a lot of money.
"Katie now wants to raise money, too, and Rebecca would have been so proud of her."
A LOROS spokeswoman said more than 100 dog owners were already signed up for the Paws 4 a Cause walk this year.
She said: "Last year, we raised just under £6,500 for the hospice and we're looking forward to another great event this year."
Walkers can turn up on the day and pay a donation of £10 to Loros to enter the walk. Alternatively, call 0116 231 8484.
To sponsor Katie, visit: www.justgiving.com/k-whitsey
