WORKERS are pitching in to boost the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye appeal.

Three donations have been given this week from companies in Blackburn and more fundraising events are planned.

The appeal aims to raise £200,000 for a state-of-the-art ultrasound endoscopic scanner to benefit the whole of East Lancashire with speedier and more accurate diagnosis of cancer.

Staff at Currys Electrical Store in Whitebirk Drive, Blackburn, are backing the appeal as a tribute to former employee, sales assistant Michelle Faulkner.

She died of pancreas cancer in May, aged 35, having worked with the company for four years.

Friend and colleague Sue Chambers, 42, said the mother-of-two was "sadly missed" and supporting the appeal was one way of making good from bad.

Sue said: "Michelle was a lovely person and everyone misses her.

"She was a real character and it is such a tragedy to lose someone so young. The company wanted to help the fight against cancer.

"Businesses should use their influence to help local charities as they can generate more interest in fundraising."

Curry's staff are rallying round to organise a fun day and gave £200 to Michelle's family to go towards flowers and the Magic Eye Appeal.

Phillips of Mayfield Street, Blackburn, boosted the appeal with a £350 cheque from months of weekly raffles.

The kitty had been growing for around 20 weeks, with around 20 employees chipping in for Friday raffle treats of chocolate, wine and cuddly toys.

Doreen Livesey said: "It has just grown and grown. When we heard of the appeal we thought it was a really good cause that would help a lot of people.

"When customers come in they can make donations too which helps boost the total. It is very worthwhile and we are just glad that every little bit helps."

A £100 donation has been received from Lakeland Manufacturing Ltd in Blakewater Road, Blackburn.

A company spokesperson said there was no other reason for the contribution than wanting to support a local charity which would benefit cancer sufferers.

Around one in seven of all cancers are in areas where the 'magic eye' can reach but some 600 patients a year who need the equipment currently have to travel to Liverpool or Manchester hospitals.