A celebrity hairdresser is planning to raise at least £26,000 for Loros by running the London Marathon – and is getting her Hollywood pals to help her out.

Tara Smith, who grew up in Oadby, is now based in Los Angeles and counts Demi Moore, Natalie Imbruglia, Marisa Tomei, Neve Campbell and Rosario Dawson among her closest friends.

The first to donate is Charlie's Angels star Lucy Liu, who has pledged $150 (£95).

After reading about the Leicester Mercury Loros Appeal on our website, Tara decided she wanted to help out.

It is a cause close to her heart as her grandmother died in Loros after suffering from cancer in the late 90s.

The 36-year-old got in touch with her old friend Charlotte Thompson, of Hallaton, near Market Harborough, who is well known throughout Leicestershire for her gruelling fund-raising challenges.

Last year, she completed the marathon to raise funds for Loros – after running to the capital from Hallaton in the four days leading up to the 26-mile event.

Now, after not seeing each other for 23 years, Charlotte is training Tara and celebrity pal Natalie, who is also running the marathon but for a different charity.

Tara said: "I just think it's so incredible what they do at Loros. They are extraordinary people, everything is unconditional there.

"I was with my grandma when she passed away and I'm just really glad that I can do this run for them.

"I've never been a runner but I'm fit and healthy and Charlotte is a top coach. I'll be going back to LA today, but Charlotte will be emailing me my training plan.

"My goal is to raise £26,000 – £1,000 a mile – but if I raise more that will be great.

"I'm asking family, friends, friends of friends, everyone possible, to support me. I sent an email out and Demi emailed back straight away.

"She will support me, as will lots of my friends, and that will really help to raise the profile of Loros."

Tara flew back for the holidays to be in Knighton with her mum, and was put through her paces by Charlotte during her break.

The pair will also be running with friends Saffron Garratt and Joanna Chandler, who are raising funds for Loros as well.

Trainer Charlotte, 36, is an ongoing fund-raiser for the charity, having already collected £36,000.She hopes to take the total to £100,000 in 2010.

The mum-of-four said: "Tara and I used to live in the same cul-de-sac in Oadby and it's great to be in touch again after all these years – especially for such a good cause.

"I'm training her while she's here and we'll keep in touch while she's away to make sure she's ready for the marathon in April."

The Leicester Mercury Loros appeal was launched in November, with the aim of raising the £450,000 still needed to meet the cost of a £2m extension, which increased the number of single-bed rooms at the hospice from eight to 19.

We have now collected £108,000 and will continue with our campaign to help raise the rest.

www.justgiving.com/ tara-smith