THE Raise the Roof appeal has hit the £30,000 mark thanks to the drive and determination of Lancashire Telegraph readers.

The campaign to raise £125,000 to build a new roof over East Lancashire Hospice's inpatient unit has gone from strength to strength since it was launched two and a half months ago.

Crucially, many people are now organising their own events to boost the charity's coffers.

Three pals from the Stop N Rest pub in Blackburn took on a 30-mile trek from Brandy House Brow to Haydock Park Racecourse in St Helens, setting off at 4am.

Sam Duckett, Paul Jolly and Josh Newell added their sponsorship to the pub's bucket collections, generating £1,500 so far.

Grandmother-of-four and hospice day therapy patient Brenda Musgrove collected more than £1,000 with the help of the Church and Oswaldtwistle Freemasons.

The 58-year-old, from Accrington, has organised bucket collections and sales across her home town, and is now looking for volunteers to help her at the Aldi store in Blackburn on June 24 and 25.

Regulars at The Royal Oak in Pleckgate put their loose change into a Raise the Roof collection tub, raising £55.79.

Forbes Solicitors, Blackburn held a dress down day and picture quiz, adding £72.50 to the total.

Sharon Crymble, fundraising manager at East Lancashire Hospice, said: “Now people are starting to organise events for us and getting groups involved that is really helping the total move up even further.

“It could be their workplace, their local pub or a social group who takes part.

“If they want any help with posters, promoting their activity on Facebook or our website or with organising the event itself, they can contact me.”

The New Railway Sports and Social Club in Bolton Road, Blackburn, is hosting a charity race night this Saturday in aid of the appeal.

Club treasurer Brian Cassidy, 47, said the event would feature a supper, raffles, bingo and horse racing with cash prizes.

He said: “Entry will be free and it will be £1 a horse.

“The club has paid the £175 fee for a compère as a donation, so that way all the money that is raised will go straight into the hospice's funds.”

The night will start at 8pm.

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.