AN appeal to build a new multi-million pound hospice for people with life-limiting illnesses in South Worcestershire has got off to a flying start, say organisers.

Staff at St Richard's Hospice, in Rose Hill, Worcester, say they have been "thrilled" with the huge support from the public who are generously helping raise £5.25m for a new centre in Wildwood Way, which will replace the existing one.

The Building Beds Together campaign was officially launched at the weekend during a successful Big Bed Push and family day in Worcester.

More than £182,000 has been donated or pledged to the New Hospice Appeal in recent weeks. counting down to the launch and a massive £3,500 was put into collection tins by the generous public on Saturday alone.

Donations are already coming in from residents who have read about the appeal in the Evening News.

Those donations, together with funds raised through careful saving, fund-raising, pledges and grants, mean St Richard's has already accounted for £3m towards the £5.25m target.

"The new hospice is within our reach," said St Richard's chairwoman Jeannie Young. "We have had a fantastic response to our official launch and now we really need everyone in the community - individuals, businesses, clubs and organisations to help make the new hospice happen.

"Almost everyone is touched by cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, whether it is a member of their family, friend, neighbour or work colleague.

"We have been caring for patients at St Richard's for 20 years and demand for our services is ever increasing.

"The new hospice, particularly its 15 specialist palliative care beds, which are not currently available in South Worcestershire, will make a big difference to patients.

"The sooner we can raise this money, the sooner we will be able to give people the complete level of care they need.

"Every penny counts towards reaching our target, so we are asking people to help us in any way they can."

To donate to the appeal call 01905 727444.