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Daily launches £200,000 appeal to refurbish hospices

A daily newspaper has launched a major new campaign to refurbish two hospices in Blackpool by raising £200,000.

The Blackpool Gazette unveiled its Hospice Heroes appeal by urging readers to dig deep and do something ‘heroic’ to help make the Trinity Hospice and Brian House establishments fit for the 21st century.

The facilities, which require around £500,000 to bring them up to modern standards, have already secured a £283,000 grant from the Department of Health towards the building work.

Now Gazette editor Jon Rhodes is urging readers to drive the campaign forward by taking part in fundraising events such as sponsored walks, runs, cake bakes, and non-uniform days at school or work.

The Blackpool Gazette wants to raise £200,000 for two hospices

“The services offered to patients and their families by both Trinity and Brian House are something the Fylde coast cannot do without,” he told HTFP.

“The care offered is first class, but the buildings themselves are tired and dated and that is why we have called on our readers to help.

“So far the response has been superb and we feel this is a campaign the readers of The Gazette, and residents of the Fylde coast, will really take to their hearts.”

The Gazette has been reporting on why the facilities at Trinity and Brian House desperately need investment as well as speaking to patients, staff, supporters and volunteers who keep these establishments open.

As reported by HTFP earlier this month, the paper handed out masks of banned Blackpool manager Paul Ince at the football team’s home match against Wigan on Saturday with fans asked to make a donation towards the Hospice Heroes appeal or children’s charity, Variety.

Trinity Hospice’s facilities manager Simon Hellawell, who is overseeing the refurbishment, said: “This is the biggest ever project Trinity has done.

“We really need to modernise the buildings and make them fit for purpose for all patient groups. This is very exciting for us, and Trinity is going to look and feel very different – much more vibrant.

“Our care is exceptional, we want our environment to be exceptional as well, that’s what people deserve.”

Gazette readers can also make a donation by texting HERO to 70080 followed by the amount of the donation, ie £3, £5, £10.