PEOPLE are being asked to step up and help a city hospice raise £1million to refurbish its In-Patient Unit and fund its services.

St Richard’s Hospice, based in Wildwood Drive, has launched a new 36-hour appeal The Million Moments.

The appeal comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic where the charity was unable to make necessary upgrades to its patient facilities, which are now 17 years old.

The 36-hour appeal began on Sunday (April 23), during which time the charity is hoping to raise £600,000 of its £1 million target and when all donations made by supporters will be doubled thanks to generous hospice funders who are matching funds raised pound for pound.

The charity is looking for people to sign up to be a hospice champion.

Champions will reach out to family, friends and a network of followers, to raise awareness of the campaign over the urgent 36-hour period.

Last year, St Richard’s supported more than 3,100 people across Worcestershire.

Tricia Cavell, fundraising director for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Our patients are so much more than their illness and with our support they can be themselves to their last days – making every moment count.

“We want to keep providing exceptional care in homes across the county and in our hospice home from home. But we need our amazing community’s help.

“By supporting our Million Moments appeal and becoming a hospice champion you will be making such a difference, especially as for 36 hours all the money raised will be doubled. Anyone giving £20 will see this doubled to £40 before their eyes!"

To donate now and get your donation doubled, at no extra cost to you, visit www.charityextra.com/millionmoments.