The daughter of a woman who died of cancer has pledged to brighten a Norfolk town and raise money for charity at the same time. Claire Treadwell is inviting businesses and people living in the Thetford and Brandon area to take part in sponsored bulb planting which she hopes will come into bloom next spring, in remembrance of her mother and others who may have lost a loved one.

The daughter of a woman who died of cancer has pledged to brighten a Norfolk town and raise money for charity at the same time.

Claire Treadwell is inviting businesses and people living in the Thetford and Brandon area to take part in sponsored bulb planting which she hopes will come into bloom next spring, in remembrance of her mother and others who may have lost a loved one.

The money raised will be donated to St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds, which provides compassionate care and support for progressively and terminally ill people and their families.

The planting will be done by a council approved team of officials, but donations are needed to purchase the bulbs and Miss Treadwell is hoping to raise �1,500. The bulbs will then be planted from the crossroads at The Chase in Thetford, along the Brandon Road this autumn.

Miss Treadwell, 34, from Garlondes in East Harling, said: “I just thought bulbs were a really good way of remembering lost people and it's really nice for the residents and visitors because it'll improve the approach.

“I hope that, as well as raising funds for charity, the project will generate a sense of ownership, respect and remembrance, as well as providing a colourful focus for residents and their families on future visits.”

Over the next few months, Miss Treadwell, Thetford's tourism and marketing officer, is dedicating herself to what she is calling Brandon Road Charity Bulbs, following her mother's death from pancreatic cancer.

Christine Treadwell, from blackbird Avenue in Brandon, died three years ago at the age of 59, after she was diagnosed a year earlier.

Her daughter said the help the family received in the last few weeks of her life from St Nicholas Hospice Care was invaluable.

She added: “It was obviously a very sad time but the staff they just made it so special and I was calling them angels on earth.

“I don't know what my mum and I would have done without them - we were very fortunate my mum could get in.

“Obviously there's a great support network with our friends and family but I just think she was really helped in her last few weeks in knowing that she had the medical care there. It's a great comfort for people I think.”

She went on: “My mum loved Thetford garden centre and used to care for some of their animals; she was a great animal lover.

“She was just a friendly, bubbly person, which is why we thought of the bulbs because they represent brightness and colour.”

As well as an online bulb fundraising page that will promote donors, Miss Treadwell is also proposing a press campaign next spring, where everybody will be invited to attend a photo opportunity when the bulbs appear.

To donate towards the bulbs or St Nicholas Hospice Care, send a cheque made payable to St Nicholas Hospice Care to 69, Garlondes, East Harling, NR16 2NR, or, to donate online, go to www.justgiving.com/charitybulbs.