Readers of the Evening Press received a royal “thank you” from the Duke of York for their part in creating a £2m new-look at a York hospice.

He toured the new in-patient unit and chatted to staff and patients, as well as Evening Press editor Liz Page.

Hospice 2000 was the most ambitious campaign ever undertaken by the newspaper.

When it was launched in autumn 1998, the target of £2m for St Leonard’s was 20 times bigger than any previous Evening Press campaign.

Liz said: “This was a daunting prospect but, happily, the response was immediate and positive. Enthusiasm for the appeal never flagged, and that was where the fun came in. As many smiles as pounds were raised at many of the entertaining stunts and events organised in aid of the fund.

“And to everyone who ever took part, or whoever donated to the fund, this week saw the final fulfilment of all the readers’ hard work and commitment. Our readers have so often displayed unfailing generosity and this time, surpassed yourself in the most amazing style.

“I told Prince Andrew how fantastic our readers had been in supporting the appeal, and he said ‘Well done’.”

And after touring the hospice, the Duke said: “I would like to add my thanks to those that have done the work raising the money to produce such a wonderful facility.”

Almost every penny of the £2m cost was raised by readers of the Evening Press.

St Leonard’s did not receive any public money for the new extension and its facilities – all the money came courtesy of Press readers and supporters of the hospice, who worked tirelessly to fund what at first had seemed no more than a dream.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]