Last updated at 17:01, Thursday, 14 March 2013

STAFF at St Mary’s Hospice are celebrating after learning of a generous donation to the Evening Mail’s Reaching Out campaign.

BOOST Ulverston councillors Peter Hornby and James Airey, pictured with staff nurse Karen Preston, donating £4,000 of their council budget to the Reaching Out campaign HARRY ATKINSON REF: 50045685B001

Two county councillors have announced plans to donate a total of £4,000 to help replace a fleet of seven vehicles at the Ulverston hospice.

The donations bring the campaign total to £8,630 – tantalisingly close to the five-figure mark.

Councillors James Airey and Peter Hornby are allocated funds by the county council to spend for the benefit of the wards they represent.

They have each agreed to put in £2,000 to help the Evening Mail reach its £70,000 target.

Cllr Airey, who represents Ulverston West, said: “We felt this was a very worthy project. It benefits the residents of Ulverston and the surrounding areas.”

Cllr Hornby, whose daughter used to work as a dietician at the hospice, knows how important its work is.

He said: “You never know when you or your family might need it.”

Cllr Airey added that he has first-hand experience of the work hospices like St Mary’s do.

He said: “They are not sad places. I think the level of care in these places is fantastic.

“Until recently I did not realise about the outreach work here. That is vital work and by giving this money we are supporting that.”

Hospice chief executive Val Stangoe welcomed the donation and said the money would help staff and volunteers continue to provide a high standard of care at all times.

The Evening Mail launched the Reaching Out campaign in February to help replace vehicles relied on by staff and volunteers.

The ageing fleet racks up thousands of miles each year, supporting various branches of the hospice’s work – from retail and fundraising to providing end-of-life care in the comfort of patients’ homes.

If you are planning a fundraising event for the campaign, email paul.berentzen@nwemail.co.uk or call 01229 580045.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/reaching-out or send donations – clearly marked ‘Reaching Out’ – to the Evening Mail’s Abbey Road office, in Barrow.

First published at 16:34, Thursday, 14 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk