AN INGLETON woman is turning her love of food into a special fundraising mission for a hospice to mark the 20th anniversary of her mum’s death.

Anna Jackson, 38, will kick start her efforts tomorrow (July 6) with the launch of a brand new supper club at Ingleborough Community Centre with all proceeds going to St John’s Hospice in Lancaster.

Named after her late mother, the first ‘Vera’s Fund’ Supper Club will be Greek-themed with a mouth-watering 3-course menu serving up a range of Mediterranean cuisine from Halloumi Souvlaki and Patatas Fournou to Glyka – a mix of Greek desserts, all washed down with classic Greek drinks throughout the evening.

Further foodie treats are planned throughout July, including Pudding Parties and stalls at the village gala and 1940’s weekend selling cheese and biscuit platters and drinks from yesteryear.

Anna was just one month into her degree course at Lancaster University when she lost her mum, who had been battling cancer since Anna was just 12 years old.

Vera – who was well known as an estate agent in Ingleton – taught Anna to cook and bake as a way of thanking people for giving her lifts to and from school during her illness.

Over the last 20 years, Anna has already raised more than £10,000 for various charities who helped and supported her mum. She has previously cycled coast to coast across Mexico and climbed 10 mountains in under 10 hours in the Lake District.

"I am a naturally active and outdoorsy person so people don’t necessarily see those things as a challenge to me”, says Anna. “It really is such a generous community but it’s still only a small village so I’m conscious of asking too much of people. Mum taught me to bake and always used food as a way of showing appreciation so this seemed like a nice way of bringing the two together. She always focused on experiences and giving her time to people so that’s what this is about. We’ll be raising money but also having good fun and making memories.

During Vera’s illness, she and Anna would still hold coffee mornings and plant sales to help raise funds for the organisations - including St John’s Hospice - who supported her through her treatment.

“Even 20 years ago, when they looked after mum, St John’s was so far ahead of its time," said Anna. "Nothing was a problem and you didn’t feel like you were in the way or a burden. Despite being so young, I was never scared to be there. It was totally safe and wonderful and warmth oozes out of everyone from the moment you walk through the door. Through my fundraising, I have realised that there are actually very few people in the local area who haven’t been touched by the work of St John’s and we are phenomenally lucky to have such a place locally available to us.”

The first ‘Vera’s Fund’ supper club takes place from 6.30pm, Tickets are £15 for a 3-course meal (drinks available to buy) and all proceeds will go to St John’s Hospice. Subsequent supper clubs will be held on the first Friday of each month. Tickets are available from Bare Necessities in Ingleton or by calling 07753 585255.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/verasfund or to make a donation, visit www.stjohnstributes.everydayhero.com/uk/vera.