ROTARY clubs across the Vale are joining forces to make their own mark on St Richard's planned state of the art hospice.

Members from nine clubs including Pershore, Evesham and Bredon Hill are hoping to raise £54,000 for a relatives' suite at the new development. The suite will provide overnight facilities for the families of hospice patients, and its opening is planned to coincide with that of the new hospice in May 2006.

The project is the brainchild of Pershore club secretary John Rosier, whose first grandchild Marcus was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. While being treated at Southampton General Hospital, Marcus' parents stayed at relatives' accommodation in the grounds that had been built with money raised by Hampshire rotary clubs.

Mr Rosier said: "The facility made a tremendous difference to my daughter and son-in-law. My grandson was on the operating table for eight hours having open-heart surgery and being so close meant they were able to be with him in shifts.

"I think the same facility will be a great comfort for relatives of people at St Richard's. To be able to stay overnight so close by, they can be at the bedside of their loved one in a matter of minutes. Hopefully that will bring great peace of mind."

Rotary club spokesman Gerald Canvin said: "That gave us the idea of rotary clubs working together on one project. St Richard's is an area all the clubs are involved in and something we have always raised money for." Pershore members were encouraged by their recent efforts, which raised £3,500 for the hospice. They asked St Richard's to cost up the price of relatives' suite comprising two en-suite rooms, and then invited neighbouring clubs to help.