A regional daily’s appeal to help safeguard the future of two local hospices has smashed its target after just nine months.

The Gazette, Blackpool, launched its Hospice Heroes appeal with the aim of raising £200,000 to safeguard the future of two Fylde Coast hospices.

It currently stands at £214,692 and with some events still to be held is expected to top £230,000.

Editor Jon Rhodes described it as a stunning achievement and thanked readers for “digging deep.”

Said Jon “In this day and age, when times are tight for everyone, and many charities are vying for funds just to stay afloat, £200,000 is no small amount.

“But Gazette readers have a long history of digging deep and doing their bit for local good causes. It is a stunning achievement.”

Jon also praised the paper’s health reporter Rebecca Draper for her work on the campaign.

“The campaign has been brilliantly led by Rebecca Draper who really has gone the extra mile,” he said.

The cash raised, which included a £25,000 donation from Rod Stewart, will now be used to transform facilities at both the adult and children’s hospices in Blackpool.

The money came from a range of events and activities including concerts, Santa Dashes, non uniform days, cake bakes and primary school age children collecting pennies in jam jars.