RACING fans are being urged to help fund a fitting tribute to the legendary Triple Gold Cup Champion and nation's favourite racehorse, Best Mate.

Callow End racehorse owner Jim Lewis, who owned Best Mate, has announced his hopes that racing pundits will donate money for a Best Mate room in the new St Richard's Hospice, which is currently being built near County Hall on the outskirts of Worcester.

Jim is a patron of the St Richard's New Hospice Appeal and the charity was among several to benefit from Best Mate merchandise sold to fans in the UK and across the world.

Mr Lewis said: "The tributes following the death of Best Mate were magnificent, fitting a true champion who was loved by thousands of fans - and Matey loved them in return.

"There will never be another like him. Best Mate raised thousands of pounds for charity during his lifetime, and with the help of fans, we will continue to raise money in memory of him.

"We would like to build a Best Mate room in the new hospice. It's the best way to remember Matey by doing what he did all his life - making a difference to people's lives."

Mr Lewis is asking people to send a donation to St Richard's, marked Best Mate, or to donate via the website www.justgiving .com/bestmate. More information is available on the official Best Mate Website www.bestmate.cc

St Richard's Hospice director of fund-raising, Marilyn Peachey, said: "Everyone at St Richard's was deeply saddened by the loss of Best Mate.

"It is very generous of Jim to galvanise fans of Matey into making a positive contribution in his memory, and something I'm sure our patients and families will truly appreciate."

Building work is well underway on the new hospice, which is due to open to patients next autumn. This will include all the current free services, plus 15 specialist hospice beds.

Campaigners are working hard to raise the remaining funds needed to finish and equip the new hospice as well as generate the £2.8m that will be needed annually to provide the specialist care and support for patients and families living with cancer and other life-threatening illness. Last year, more than 1,550 patients and families received support from the St Richard's team.

Jim Lewis will lay the ashes of Best Mate at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, December 10. A statue of the horse is to be unveiled in March.

A plaque will also be laid at Exeter Racecourse at the spot where Best Mate died.