FOR terminally ill children with the shadow of their illness hanging over them, New Year can be daunting.

But at Derian House Children's Hospice there is a feeling of optimism for the year 2002.

For those children who have spent their New Year at the hospice, the staff have focussed on creating a 'home from home' atmosphere. Susie Poppitt, fundraising consultant at Derian House, Chorley, said: "We're looking to this new year with as much optimism as anybody. We try to make the celebrations as happy for the children as if they were at home." However, there are increasing financial restrictions for the Astley Village hospice.

The hospice does not charge families for the care it gives and the staff have to raise £1million this year from voluntary donations.

For the 365 days of the year the hospice is open it receives government funding for just nine.

This year Derian House have guaranteed places in the UK Jubilee 10km race in London on July 21. Anyone, or any business, who wants to run in association with Derian House can do - and they will get a pair of running shoes to help them.

There is also the annual gala weekend in the summer and a trip to Morecambe Bay in September to look forward to.

If anyone wants to take part in any fundraising events, or if you want to join the Friends of Derian House for £5, contact the appeals team on 271271.