THE generous actions of a kind-hearted anonymous reader have seen the Journal’s fund-raising for our 150th anniversary St Richard’s Hospice appeal boosted by £500.

This brings our total to more than £800 and we are extremely grateful to all those who have helped us with our appeal so far.

Meanwhile, progress continues with the construction of the new £978,000 community care centre annexe at the hospice’s Wildwood Drive headquarters in Worcester.

On completion, it will enable staff and volunteers to help a further 100 patients and 300 carers in the first year and double those figures in the second.

And the hospice will be aided in its efforts when its Evesham fund-raising committee holds its third annual Christmas Extravaganza at Dumbleton Hall tonight (Thursday).

The event has helped to raise thousands of pounds for St Richard’s Hospice so far, attracting hundreds of visitors to the hotel on the outskirts of Evesham.

Shoppers will be able to get into the spirit of the season with mince pies and mulled wine, before browsing more than 30 stalls selling presents to suit all tastes – from cards, cupcakes and children’s clothes to handmade glass and home interiors.

Chrissy Styles, chairman of the committee and an organiser, said the event continued to go from strength to strength.

“We were flooded in 2007 and we went up to live in Dumbleton for some weeks,” she said.

“I remember thinking it would be a fantastic venue for a hospice event. The first year we had the Christmas Extravaganza, people said nobody would find it. Then on the day, the manager found us and said, ‘They’re queueing right up the drive to get in’.”

The event runs from 7pm to 9pm. The fund-raising group also held a sell-out ladies’ lunch with Margaret Thrower, daughter of legendary TV gardener Percy, and a successful fashion show, which raised £1,100.

Sedgeberrow resident Chrissy said people were always willing to give their time to help St Richard’s Hospice.

“People bake for us, give us things and offer help and at every event a local supplier brings us trays of eggs,” she said. “When you have had cancer in your family, you’ve got to fight it. You’ve got to put your all in. People are always willing to help and are very generous.”

The committee will be holding a Christmas party on Friday, December 10, to thank everyone who has helped with fund-raising.

They also need more volunteers, including people to help with a New Year’s Day collection at Strensham Services. Anyone interested can call Chrissy on 01386 882677.

l If you would like to support the Journal’s £15,000 fund-raising appeal in aid of St Richard’s Hospice by holding your own event, call us on 01386 444054 or e-mail sarah.hickinbotham@eveshamjournal.co.uk.

Donations can also be given via justgiving. com/journal-appeal. For more information on the work of St Richard’s Hospice, visit strichards.org.uk.