A weekly newspaper has launched a front page bid to save its local hospice from closure.

The East Kilbride News is calling on readers to help ‘Save Our Hospice’ after revealing the financial difficulties faced by Kilbryde Hospice.

The News reported how the future of the £4m palliative care centre was in doubt after it revealed losses of £300,000 since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

The News has featured the appeal’s launch on its front page.

New journalist Andrea Lambrou told HTFP: “When I heard the hospice was in trouble due to a lack of community fundraising amidst the pandemic I knew the paper had to step up and offer its support.

“Kilbryde is a vital part of our community with an outstanding clinical team providing exceptional end-of-life care to residents of the town and beyond.

“Even in the face of financial difficulty, they gave crucial support to COVID-19 patients to alleviate the pressure on frontline staff at Hairmyres Hospital. It’s so important to keep this invaluable service going.

“Since starting our ‘Save the Hospice’ campaign three weeks ago, Kilbryde has been inundated with inventive fundraising events and ideas – from a male hospice nurse wearing high heels to do his essential shop to a five-year-old running 100 lengths of her garden – helping to raise thousands of pounds for the cause.

“The generosity and community spirit in East Kilbride is clear to see throughout our coverage so far. If we all pull together I’m confident the hospice will remain a jewel in the town’s crown for many years to come.”