PENDLESIDE Hospice has launched a new appeal for vital funds, as it aims to raise more than £3.8 million just to sustain its services throughout this year.

The Keep On Caring campaign encourages people to set up a standing order for donations, which helps provide the charity with more financial security.

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The hospice in Colne Road, Reedley, gives free end-of-life care to more than 1,000 people each year. It has about 120 paid employees and 500 volunteers.

An appeal leaflet for the campaign says: “Imagine the devastating effect that being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness can have, not only on yourself, but your family, friends and carers.

“This is the reality for many people in our community, but each year Pendleside Hospice is there to provide outstanding care and support to local people who have been given news that will change their life. With your help we can keep on caring and keep on making a difference to those in our community who need it.”

The hospice receives about £1 million per year from the NHS, but must raise the rest.

Christina Cope, fundraising manager, said: “Our new fundraising campaign provides another easy way for people to help us regularly by setting up a standing order each month.

“By giving a regular donation, whatever you can manage, you will help us continue to offer free care for people with life-limiting illnesses.”

Securing more regular donations, through standing orders, the hospice said it will also be able to support more people and develop its services to respond more quickly to people’s needs. Its staff provide inpatient, outpatient, day therapy and community services, in collaboration with health and social care providers.

Meanwhile, volunteers are already gearing up for the hospice’s Girls’ Night Out event in July, in which hundreds of women will take to the streets of Burnley for a sponsored walk.

For more information or to sign up for a regular a donation, call 01282 440120, or visit www.pendleside.org.uk