THE board and management of Bury Hospice would like to thank "our army" of members, agents, collectors and staff, for their continued support of the Red Rose Lottery, which has donated the incredible total of £182,287 to the Hospice over the past year.

As you can see, your £1 per week is guaranteed to support a local good cause, unlike the National Lottery which has favoured a number of high profile failures such as the Millennium Dome and Wembley Stadium to name but two. Bury Hospice, which has been open for ten years, is heavily dependent on the kind generosity of the local community and the willingness and dedication of a small group of volunteer workers to help us continue our important work for the terminally-ill and their families. However, many hospices in England and Wales are facing severe financial problems because of a lack of both funding and volunteers. This, together with the increase in costs and services, places them under great strain.

If we are to build on what has been achieved in the past then we must appeal to many more local people and businesses for help. Whether it is by joining our lottery, organising a fund-raising event, donating goods, volunteering services or even an hour or two of your time, then we would be grateful for your offers.

We need your support now and you may know someone who needs our support soon.

For further information, please ring the lottery office on 0161 763 1893 or the fundraising centre 0161 797 1748.

STEVE A. HOLT,

Bury Hospice Red

Rose Lottery manager.