WITH millions of pounds to raise each year in order to continue the good work of St John's Hospice, head of fundraising, Catherine Butterworth, has her work cut out.

Fortunately, with a wealth of experience, she is able to offer those looking to contribute to The Westmorland Gazette's Hospice Angels campaign some well-founded advice when it comes to bringing in the pennies.

"Seventy per cent of our income, which enables us to provide care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is funded by people like The Westmorland Gazette readers," she said. "Whether you play our weekly lottery for £1 or whether you leave a gift in your will, every penny helps us to provide care, compassion and support for local people and those who love them."

Over the past three years in the South Lakes, St John's has seen support grow and it now has a dedicated fundraising team based above the furniture shop in Kendal.

"We can help you, give advice and more importantly encourage you to support the work we do," Ms Butterworth said, encouraging those who wanted to fundraise to visit the Highgate staff. "We can all do something to make a difference and no matter how small it will make a difference to the lives of the people we support."

The Gazette's campaign is looking to raise £30,000 - enough money to pay for the work of one Hospice at Home nurse, including telephone calls, fuel costs and equipment such as syringes.

The nurses work every day of the year and are available 24-hours a day - covering the South Lakes, north Lancashire and North Yorkshire - offering specialist palliative care at the end of life to allow those who wish to remain in their homes during their final days.

So far readers and supporters of the campaign have raised almost £13,000 by running half marathons, shaving their heads and holding raffles - it is essential that the momentum is kept up.

"For the last six years I have had the privilege of working at St. John’s and meeting the wonderful community that get behind us with fundraising, participating at our events and more importunately showing that continued support," Ms Butterworth said. "Unfortunately we cannot sit back and hope someone else will get involved. It is our hospice built 30 years ago for the community we serve and we all have a duty to ensure it is here for many years to come. Please get in touch and help the Hospice Angels campaign."