A FUND set up to help a former Herefordshire restaurateur has smashed its £5,000 target with the help of readers.

Pascal Clarenne, who ran Chez Pascal in Ledbury until this year, has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, but dreams of visiting France again.

Mr Clarenne's wife Janie plans to organise a trip for her and her husband to France, and the money raised will be needed for his additional medical insurance, saying the challenge they are facing is unlike any they have faced before.

Janie said: " I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone. Pascal is very ill at the moment so we cannot travel yet but we are overwhelmed by the response and comments.

"We hope to get him strong enough to travel. The comments and donations have really helped lift his spirits.

"Thank you so much for running the article."

The amount donated now stands at £5,129, according to the donation page.

Some people have left messages of support on the donation page.

Adrian Bundy said: "Sending you and Pascal my best wishes, and I hope you achieve the target to enable you to visit France once again."

Barry and Barbara Ashton said: "Thank you, Pascal, for your lovely soups, quiches and tarts, and most of all for your friendly service. With our very best wishes."

Mrs Clarenne previously told a reporter: "Pascal swept into my life at the tender age of 20.

"Temperamental, unpredictable, passionate and an extremely talented pastry chef. Quite unlike anyone I had met before.

"We have weathered a few storms over the years, but we are now facing our biggest challenge.

"Pascal is battling his illness with great courage."

The donation page is still open at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/janie-clarenne