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Nail artist's 24-hour challenge for hospice

Josh Sandifordin Stratford-upon-Avon
BBC A young woman with auburn hair tied up smiles at the camera from her workstation inside the nail salon. She wears a light green apron over a black top and has a smartwatch on her wrist. Behind her, a pink neon sign reading 'Taylor Made' glows against a wall of artificial greenery, with nail lamps and bottles of polish on the desk beside her.BBC
Alice Horgan will paint 24 sets of nails in 24 hours for Acorns Children's Hospice

A nail technician is preparing to work through the night in a 24-hour "nailathon" to raise money for a children's hospice.

Alice Horgan, from Alcester, will paint the nails of 24 clients in 24 hours at Taylor Made Nails, based at Stratford Garden Centre.

The challenge, which starts at 10:00 BST on 18 April, will raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The 22-year-old, who said she had been inspired by a client for whom the charity had been a lifeline, told the BBC: "I've always wanted to do something for charity and I wanted to help in a way that I know how."

The nail artist said she had no trouble filling the slots, with clients "arguing" over bookings, including those in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"My clients are clearly just as delusional as we are," she joked.

A wooden cabin-style building with a dark tiled roof houses the nail salon, with its entrance framed by an arch of pink and green artificial flowers. A wicker wreath hangs on the front wall and a small folding chair sits outside the door. A sign for fencing and wooden products is visible on an adjoining building to the right.
Taylor Made Nails is based at Stratford Garden Centre

Asked how she would cope, Horgan admitted she "normally has a breakdown after about seven hours" of work but said the atmosphere would carry her through.

"I think it's just going to be really good vibes," she added. "I'm actually really excited."

A woman with blonde hair tied up in a bun smiles at the camera inside a nail salon. She is wearing a black V-neck top and a delicate necklace. Behind her, shelves display rows of nail polish bottles and a sign reads 'sparkle'.
Salon owner Jules Purvin will support Alice throughout the 24-hour challenge

Supporting her throughout will be nail bar owner Jules Purvin, who will chaperone clients in and out of the closed garden centre through the night and keep Alice going with cups of tea.

Purvin described Alice as "a very talented young lady and the best nail tech" she had ever worked with.

"I know she's going to smash it because she's got the right mindset," she said. "She's very determined."

The fundraiser has already raised more than £1,200, surpassing its £500 target.

Donations can be made through Alice's fundraising page and a charity raffle is also planned.

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