Hospice cash SOS

Brian Hurst . . . hospice hit by credit crunch

DR KERSHAW’S Hospice is struggling to keep its head above water as Oldhamers hit by the credit crunch tighten their belts.

And its medical director, Dr Paul Cook, has warned that if not enough money comes in, it could mean a reduced service.

Lack of support has forced the hospice to cancel a number of fund raising events, including a Christmas ball which should have been held this month at Hotel Smokies Park, Bardsley. The hospice’s biggest festive fund raiser is its Light up a Life campaign.

This time last year, people had pledged a total of £10,000 to the cause, which had increased to £15,000 by the time of the lights switch-on in early December. Only £6,000 worth of lights have been so far been dedicated this year.

This latest blow to fund raising has caused appeals manager Brian Hurst to make a desperate plea for support. “We desperately need the help of local people,” he said. “Please keep supporting us.”

Dr Cook added “Ultimately if we can’t raise enough money, we may have to run a reduced service.”

Anyone who can help or who wants to dedicate one of the 2,500 lights due to be switched on at the carol service in the hospice grounds in Turf Lane, Royton, on Sunday, December 7. should contact the appeals office on 0161-624 9984.

And curry lovers can add their support by tucking in at a curry night planned for Thursday, November 27, at the Blue Ocean, Manchester Street, Oldham. Call 0161-652 6699 for more details.