THE 160 Appeal has smashed the £120,000 mark.

And with three months to go until the campaign comes to an end, the Adver is urging its readers to help give the effort one final push.

Since the launch of the appeal in February, supporters have grown in courage and ambition, with many tackling desert treks, or choosing to freefall from the heavens with only a sheet of nylon to break the fall, to secure thousands of pounds for Prospect Hospice.

A particularly audacious challenger, Al Sylvester, even covered the length of the country on foot with only a backpack for company.

And donations from office bake sales, dress down days and collection boxes are continuing to pour towards dedicated care for people with life-limiting illnesses in the town and beyond.

Adver editor Gary Lawrence said: “This appeal has really struck a chord with the people of Swindon and staff here at the Adver.

“The support we have received since February has been phenomenal and we could not have asked for more.

“Prospect has played a crucial role in Swindon for decades and means so much to hundreds of families in the town who have experienced firsthand its staff’s unflagging support and outstanding care.

“Fundraisers have held cake sales, signed up to skydives, marathons, bike rides – the list goes on and on.

“At the Adver office, we have had a number of adventurers tackling big challenges and I am grateful for their support.

“We are edging closer to the finish line. I am confident we can raise the remaining £40,000 over the next three months with our readers’ help.”

The goal of £160,000 would allow the hospice to fund 500 overnight stays in its in-patient unit; that is 12 days at a time for 43 patients, or 6,400 hours of support from the 24-hour Prospect@Home service.

It would also pay for counselling and support for 2,000 family members after the loss of a loved one or during their ongoing illness.

Angela Jordan, Prospect Hospice chief executive, said: “As we head into the autumn it is great to see that the community has pulled together so strongly in support of Prospect Hospice to reach the three-quarters mark of the Swindon Advertiser’s appeal.

“We are delighted with the support from the Swindon Advertiser and all of the many people who have raised funds for us throughout the year to reach this point.

“Our best wishes go to everyone who is planning to support this appeal between now and the end of the year.”

To make a donation to Prospect go to www.prospect-hospice.net To sign up an event in aid of the 160 Appeal visit www.prospect-hospice .net/Supporter/Fundraising -Events.