A STUDENT nurse from Hereford met the Princess Royal after dedicating the last three years to fundraising in memory of her father.

Jade Marsh, 24, has raised more than £21,000 for charity since losing her father, Dylan Toney in 2013. He died of Motor-Neurone Disease aged just 51.

Since then, she has taken part in a number of inspirational events including numerous marathons and half marathons, an aeroplane wing-walk and cycling events, to raise funds for both the Motor-Neurone Disease (MND) Association and St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford.

In recognition of her efforts, Jade was invited to a reception at The Law Society in London, hosted by the Motor-Neurone Disease (MND) Association, of which Princess Anne is the patron.

“It was a truly wonderful evening,” she said. “I feel so privileged to have been invited along. Princess Anne was lovely. There were approximately 80 guests and she took the time to speak to every single person.”

Jade, who is in the third year of her nursing degree at the University of Worcester, was among a star-studded guest list invited to the reception.

As well as meeting the Princess Royal, Jade was overwhelmed when she bumped into Jeremy Sheffield, who played Patrick, a MND sufferer in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.

“He worked closely with the MND Association and portrayed the disease very well,” Jade said. “He also donated £100 to a page I set up for a lady living with MND to help fund her to go on one last holiday, so it was really nice to meet him. Plus I am a huge Hollyoaks fan.”

Jade hopes to one day work in neurology.

“I have already secured a job at Hereford County Hospital, when I complete my degree, working in the cardiology and respiratory ward,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to starting my nursing career now and hope in the future to work in neurology, as it is so close to my heart.”

To support Jade and her fundraising work visit virginmoneygiving.com/jademarsh