A REMARKABLE £30,000 has already been raised for the Adver’s 160 Appeal for Prospect thanks to the support of generous donors, businesses and local groups.

The community has rallied behind the campaign to secure £160,000 towards end-of-life care at Prospect Hospice with the first hurdle reached in just three months.

Since the launch of the appeal in February, firms, individuals and of course the Adver team, have gone above and beyond, holding quiz nights, taking part in bike rides and other strenuous challenges, in order to raise funds.

Among them were Wilson Tools and IMSM who donated £4,000 and £1,210 respectively to the 160 Appeal.

A free cone day at Empire cinema also raked up an impressive £1,266, while a fundraising day across Swindon Costa cafes in memory of Karen Lloyd raised £1,057. Solicitors also surpassed all expectations by contributing no less than £15,265 – all the proceeds made during Make a Will month. Readers also stepped up with donations reaching £1,565.

The Adver team has contributed £806 so far and plans to raise £1,000 at the upcoming Dragon Boat Race next June as well as an array of other events, skydiving challenges, walks and even a ballroom dancing competition.

Adver editor Gary Lawrence said: “I am really proud of what we have all achieved so far and I want to thank everyone who donated to the appeal or raised money by taking part in the Big Bike and marathons or organising fantastic events for Prospect.

“Our appeal aims to raise £160,000 which will make a significant difference to many people who turn to Prospect for help.

“Prospect steps in to help when families are going through the worst days of their lives and somehow manages to brighten them with its kindness and care.

“We are determined to hit our target by December and we know our fantastic readers will help us.”

Prospect Hospice needs £5.8 million each year to continue caring for the people of Swindon and North Wiltshire.

Yet the charity, which was founded in 1980, receives less than 30 per cent of its income from statutory bodies such as the NHS to support a community of around 300,000 people – some who live as far afield as Gloucestershire.

£160,000 would help to pay for approximately 500 overnight stays in the hospice’s in-patient unit; that is 12 days at a time for 43 patients.

The sum would cover 6,400 hours of support of the 24-hour Prospect@Home service.

It would also fund counselling and support for 2,000 family members after the loss of a loved one or during their ongoing illnesses.Prospect Hospice Chief Executive Angela Jordan said: “We are very grateful that the Swindon Advertiser’s 160 appeal has reached this important milestone, and on behalf of the patients, volunteers and staff at Prospect Hospice I want to thank the Swindon Advertiser and its readers for their generous support.

“The summer months are traditionally the busiest time for fundraising for us, and I hope that this ongoing appeal will inspire readers to register for one of our fun events or to consider staging one of their own this summer, taking us further towards the Adver’s £160,000 target.”

Roll of honour

  • Lydiard Park Academy: £880.31
  • Swindon Town Support Group: £2,585.71
  • IMSM: £1,210
  • Wilson Tools: £4,000
  • Make a Will Month: £15,265.32
  • Empire Cinema Free Cone Day £1,266
  • Costa Coffee Think Pink: £1,057.57
  • First Great Western: £ 271
  • Carly Bohane’s headshave: £180
  • Phoenix Bar darts competition: £550.00
  • Swindon Advertiser: £806.42
  • Charity boxes: £617.15
  • Reader donations: £1,565.60