A FLEDGLING business has offered itself up – offices, boardroom and all – for 160 hours in support of the Adver’s 160 Appeal for Prospect Hospice.

Bowman House has pledged to donate all funds raised through the rental of its conference facilities, for 160 hours, to the campaign in a bid to help secure £160,000 towards end-of-life care at the Wroughton charity by December.

Companies will have the opportunity to book the Royal Wootton Bassett business centre’s small meeting room and boardroom for 80 hours each in exchange for a donation to the 160 Appeal.

Although priced at £2,300 for 160 hours, it will be up to local firms to decide how much they wish to pay and of course how much Prospect staff and patients should receive.

Estate manager Graeme Stephen-son was moved to back the appeal having experienced first-hand the compassion and support of hospice staff in the North East.

“My mother went through cancer and through a hospice in the North East,” he said.

“It was amazing what the people there were prepared to give and their ability to cope with people in distress at the end of their lives.

“And it’s something we will need more provision for.

“The business opened last year and we have done some local things here in Bassett but not anything as big in the charity way. We just wanted to become more part of the community.

“The total value for 160 hours is £2,300 but people can donate what they want so it would be really good if we got £1,000 for Prospect.”

The 160 Appeal was launched to mark the Adver’s 160th anniversary in February, and boost Prospect’s efforts to raise £4.3m this year to continue to provide vital care to around £2,000 patients, as well as their relatives.

Although the charity needs £5.8m per year, it only receives 30 per cent of its budget from the NHS.

“It’s easier for a company like ours to have the Adver drive this,” added Graeme. “It’s nice to work with people who are proactive. We had something to give and the Adver pulled this thing together for the benefit of Prospect.”

  •  To book the facilities in aid of Prospect Hospice, call 01793 843100 and quote the 160 Appeal.