EVER since Kemp Hospice was founded two decades ago this week's winner of a bottle of champagne has been a staunch supporter.

Marie Beahan, 73, already raised money for Macmillan nurses when the hospice was set up in 1981 and tries to help any cause connected with cancer.

She has held coffee mornings, raffles and braved all weathers as a street collector for the charity, and now she raises funds for both the running costs and the building appeal.

"I'm sure there are people who do more than me but I try and help wherever I can," she said. "Last year I helped do a dolls raffle which raised more than £1,000."

Miss Beahan, of Trimpley Drive, Kidderminster, needed to use the hospice for 12 months three years ago.

"There's a fantastic atmosphere there, and they need all the money we can get. I wish I could do more.

"And they need this new building. It's a huge thing for the hospice."