A BLACKBURN newsagent is doing his bit for the Raise the Roof appeal – and has urged fellow newsagents across East Lancashire to do the same.

The Lancashire Telegraph campaign aims to raise £125,000 to build a new roof over East Lancashire Hospice's inpatients unit.

The old roof at the hospice's building in Park Lee Road, Blackburn has fallen into disrepair and needs replacing.

Shazad Ali read about the appeal in the copies of the Telegraph he sells each day from his shop on the corner of Leach Road.

He inherited Aftabs newsagents from his father, Qurban Ali, who ran the store for nearly 30 years.

The duo asked the hospice's fundraising department for a collection box so their customers could donate loose change – and are now onto their second tin.

Shazad, 27, said: “We've filled one tub and we're halfway through the second one.

“The first tub I think had in excess of £50 in it, plus we've been donating as well from our profits.”

Mr Ali said his family had personal experience of the hospice's work.

East Lancashire Hospice offers specialist care, supportive care and end of life care for patients and their families in the hospice and also in their own home.

He said: “It's a good service for the area and I think it's good to support vulnerable or sick people, which is what it does.

“They needed help so that encouraged us to take part and try and help raise the money. I hope others do the same.”

Sharon Crymble, fundraising manager at East Lancashire Hospice, said it was 'absolutely thrilled' to have the support of Aftabs newsagents.

She said: “They've already very quickly filled one of our collection tubs and we would like to encourage other newsagents to take part.

“The appeal is of course to help the local community and with newsagents being at the heart of the community their support will be very much appreciated.”

The appeal has raised just over £26,000 so far – around a fifth of the total target.

If you would like a collection box for your shop call Sharon in the charity's fundraising office on 01254 733412.

How to donate

  • By text - Send ROOF to 70700. Texts cost £5 plus network charge. East Lancashire Hospice receives at least £4.45. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 08448479800.

    Charity No 1075653.

  • Online - At eastlancshospice.org.uk/roof-appeal. Remember to add the word ‘roof’ in the comments section so it is clear the donation is for this appeal.
  • At a bank - Make a payment at any Yorkshire Bank, Account No 22741541, Sort Code 05-02-52. Locally there are branches in Accrington, Barnoldswick, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colne, Nelson and Todmorden.
  • By post - Send a cheque to Roof Appeal, East Lancashire Hospice, Park Lee Road, Blackburn, BB2 3NY.
  • By phone - Pay by debit or credit card by ringing 01254 733410.

If surplus funds are raised they will be used for the general purposes of the charity.

Click on the link below for more information on the Raise The Roof campaign.