FORMER Hyndburn councillor Bill Goldsmith has helped swell the coffers of the East Lancashire Hospice Appeal by completing a 43-mile sponsored walk.

And he has already added to the £315 raised by the walk from his home in Knuzden to his home town of Warrington last month through some extra donations, making a grand total of almost £400.

Bill, who took his dog Max along on the day, said: "I decided to do something for the hospice after visiting ex-Mayor of Hyndburn Reg Goggin when he was in there. I was very impressed by the service they give and the way they treat the patients.

"I also got talking to a member of Cabin End pensioners' club while I was in to see Reg. The group is linked to Age Concern and members meet each week, so when I decided to raise some money I roped them in.

"They are probably responsible for raising half the money while my sister Norma also helped by getting all her friends at Norweb in Warrington to sponsor me."

The walk took Bill all day. He set off at 5.40am and arrived at his sister's house at almost 9pm.

Anyone interested in fund-raising or making a donation can call the East Lancashire Hospice Appeals Office on 01254 660900.

Donations can be made into the East Lancashire Hospice Fund Day Care Unit Appeal account at any NatWest bank using sort code 01-00-85 and account number 12804509.

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