A regional daily has joined forces with a well-known comedian from its patch in a bid to raise funds for a hospice.

The Bristol Post published an appeal by Stephen Merchant as it aims to help the city’s St Peter’s Hospice recoup an estimated £2m lost in funding due to the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Merchant, co-creator of series including The Office and Extras, was a regular visitor to the hospice in his teenage years to see his grandmother, who was cared for there in 1995.

His appeal to Post readers was published on its front page last Friday, pictured below.

Mr Merchant told the Post: “It’s part of the city, part of its fabric. And it’s always been here when people need it at the most difficult time in their lives.

“To have to reduce the number of beds by five may not seem a lot. But it’s a very, very dramatic step for a charity like this.

“I know everyone is struggling at the moment. People have lost their jobs and seen their income suffer due to the pandemic.

“But I am asking everyone to put their hand in their pocket and make a contribution to the appeal.”

Emma Slee, regional editor at Post owner Reach plc, told HTFP: “We are very pleased to be partnering with St Peter’s Hospice to raise vital funds and awareness of how severely the charity has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As the people of Bristol are aware, the hospice provides essential end of life care and it is a charity that is close to the hearts of many, including Stephen Merchant.

“Stephen is one of several high profile campaigners and supporters of the hospice and we were delighted when he chose to speak out about the wonderful services the hospice has provided to his own loved ones.

“We hope Stephen’s words will encourage even more people to put their hands in their pockets and help safeguard this wonderful facility.”