A SERIES of events during the former Mayor of Droitwich's term of office has helped raise cash for St Richard's Hospice.

Richard Morris visited the hospice in Rose Hill, Worcester, to present the money raised to Fraser Meek, who will be manager of the in-patient unit when the new hospice building opens in Spetchley in the autumn.

The hospice was one of Mr Morris's chosen charities and he is a supporter of its work in caring for patients and families living with cancer and other life-threatening illness.

His donation of more than £1,800 will help buy syringe drivers - small, portable pieces of equipment that deliver medication over 24 hours.

Hospice fund-raising manager Tricia Cavell said: "We are delighted Mr Morris picked the hospice as one of his chosen charities and put so much effort into raising funds.

"The hospice is very much part of the community, with patients from the Droitwich area coming to the day hospice or being visited by members of the hospice team in their own homes."

Mr Morris said: "Supporting St Richard's was a must for me. As well as the wonderful work it does in supporting many families, it started in Droitwich and carries the name of our saint. I intend to continue supporting its work and wish it every success."

Mr Morris went on to thank all those in the community who attended his fund-raising events, which included a footballathon, charity cricket supported by Ashley Giles, a charity concert by the Oakville singers and Witton School, and the mayor's masked charity ball.

A new hospice is currently being built and will open for patients in the autumn. The building will include all the current free services, plus specialist hospice beds which are desperately needed but not available in this area. Fund-raisers need to generate the £2.8m which will be needed annually to provide the specialist care and support for patients and families.