THE roof is on and an eight-year dream for a hospice to serve people in Burnley and Pendle is finally becoming a reality.

1988 seems a long time ago to the members of Burnley and Pendle Hospice Care, but 1996 will certainly be a year none of the members will ever forget. Planning permission for the plot at Reedley Hall was granted in February 1995 and publicity officer Bill Goulding said it was hoped the outpatients' section would be open this autumn.

An artist's impression of the building went on display last year to show the people of Burnley and Pendle, who have raised the money for the centre, just what they had paid for.

Once the outpatients' department has been opened, it is hoped the 12-bed section will follow soon afterwards.

Local organisations are now sponsoring beds for the unit at £1,500 a time.

Mr Goulding said several local doctors had generously agreed to give their time freely to care for the patients in the hospice.

When it is finished, the building will have cost £1m and the same amount again is needed to have the building commissioned, fitted out and pay for the salaries of staff and running costs for the first year.

Mr Goulding added: "We need to keep on fund-raising all the time and have groups all over the area holding events and keeping the money coming in.

"We also have three hospice shops which are very well supported and sell a lot of donated items at reasonable prices.

"Once the building is up and running we will hopefully be able to get support of cancer charities and we will be bidding for more National Lottery cash."

The hospice last year won a National Lottery grant which has helped pay for the first year's salary for a manager on the site.

Interviews have taken place and an appointment is imminent.

Mr Goulding added: "We have built our hospice, but we need to keep it and anyone who wants to help with fund-raising can contact me on 01282 697096."

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