This weekend Bolton Hospice hopes to take its biggest fundraising step in its 34-year history and YOU can be part of it.

From the morning of Sunday, March 1 to the evening of Monday, March 2, the hospice is holding matchfunding campaign Making Every Moment Count which doubles every pound donated during this 36-hour period.

The aim is to raise £100,000 during that time. Champions – Hospice supporters – will be donating or fundraising during the 36 hour window and Matchers -  local businesses and other organisations – have pledged matchfunding to the sum of £44,000 so far.

Like many hospices across the country, Bolton Hospice is facing a financial crisis.

It costs £7 million annually to run its services and we have to fundraise £5.5 million to continue running our services  – from 24/7 in-patient care to the specialist Hospice at Home team, the flexible drop-in support sessions at the Wellbeing Hub, bereavement support and much more.

Hundreds of local families across the borough know first-hand the difference that the Hospice makes during some of the most difficult time of their lives.

Hospice staff and volunteers are there for patients and there for families.

Now, they need help to keep on providing their vital services for many more individuals and families.

They have already had a helping hand from Bolton Wanderers FC which held a bucket collection at last Saturday’s home match and raised £2574.33 – which will now be doubled.

Bella’s Bakes is holding a prize draw and giveaway and Deborah McDonald from Floral Fusion in Westhoughton is selling carnations for £1 a stem.

Harwood Run Cub and North Bolton Runners are both organising runs this weekend to boost the Hospice cash and a Hospice Champion, Kellie Hadfield, is organising a Wear Your PJs to Work Day.

Another Champion, Claire Bond, is hiking the pike with her son and talented chef Sushma from Sushma’s Snacks is running two auctions – one for dinner for six and another for a cookery class for one.

Oliver Doyle hosted a guitar set at the Hospice’s Wellbeing Hub. His dad and sister were both cared for at the Hospice and he wrote a beautiful tribute “Helen’s Lullaby” for his sister. 

Hospice staff have also been leading from the front, busy with fundraising for the appeal.

Richard Duggan, Newsquest’s Lancashire and Greater Manchester Regional Editor including the Bolton News, commented: “Knowing the generosity of the people of Bolton, I am sure they will all respond to the Making Every Moment Count appeal.

“The Hospice does an amazing job for local people every day and the idea of any of its services being curtailed because of a lack of cash is totally unacceptable.

“Please support the Hospice this weekend in any way you can. You really never know when you or the people you love will need their expert, caring help.”

To get involved in the campaign or make donations ring the Hospice fundraising office on 01204 663055. Go to the link to donate https://www.charityextra.com/boltonhospice or donate on the website via the Making Every Moment Count drop down option or call in at the Hospice.