THE whole community continues to back Kemp's appeal and this week a police officer finally decided what to do with the money he raised in the London Marathon.

Sgt Mark Bissett ran the 26-mile course in under four hours in April and picked up almost £300 in sponsorship from colleagues at Kidderminster Police station.

For the past two months he has been unsure what to do with the cash, but reports of the flying start to Kemp Hospice's £2.2 million appeal in the Shuttle/Times & News inspired him to add to the momentum.

Campaign manager John Fletcher said: "The expression 'pounding the beat' has suddenly taken on a whole new meaning."

Anyone wishing to organise a fund-raising event can contact the appeal office on 01562 865105.

Meanwhile, the Shuttle/Times & News will keep Wyre Forest up to date on the campaign and any fund-raising events on the horizon, as well as publishing personal accounts from people with experience of the care on offer - and the difference the new hospice will make.

Next week Jean Smith, who works at the Kemp shop in Kidderminster, will tell of the help the hospice gave to her daughter, who died of cancer.

If you are organising an event for the hospice appeal contact Fred Attewill at the Shuttle/Times & News on 01562 633345.