TWO students who tragically lost their fathers to cancer have inspired their whole school to fundraise for the hospice that cared for them.

Louise Taylor’s father Chris, 54, and Grace Withyman’s father Jim, 49, a barrister, both died in St Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate last year.

Louise and Grace, who attend Ripon Grammar School, gave a moving assembly presentation to their fellow pupils to explain how the hospice helped them and their families.

They urged students to support the hospice which needs to raise£5million annually.

Students and staff voted overwhelmingly to support St Michael’s during their upcoming charity week which features fundraising events such as quizzes, cake sales and a non-uniform day.

The week usually raises more than £10,000 for charity each year and it is hoped that even more will be raised for the hospice.

Deputy head girl Louise, 17, from Grewelthorpe, explained how staff at the hospice gave her whole family the vital support they needed when her father, who died in December last year, was desperately ill.

She said: “Everyone, from the nurses to the palliative care consultant, was outstanding.

“You always know there is someone there to speak to if you feel you need to.

“It’s not like a hospital, it felt more like a home, with a family room and nice sofas, and beds for us to stay.

“And the chef makes the most amazing biscuits.”

Louise, who wants to be a doctor, said her experience had opened her eyes to the reality of palliative care.

Grace, 16, from Ripon, added: “I think it is really important to raise money and I hope we can also raise awareness about what a hospice really is, I wasn’t sure what it was when my dad went in and I want people to know about the incredible work they do.”

Last week Louise took her fellow upper sixth form students, who organise Charity Week, to visit the hospice to see for themselves the valuable work it does.

A speaker from St Michael’s also went to talk to students at assembly.

History teacher David Bruce got the fundraising off the starting blocks on Sunday when he ran the Yorkshire Marathon to raise £1,000 for the hospice.