THE FINAL countdown has started and the Adver is inviting readers to join the last push to reach its £160,000 target for Prospect Hospice.

As the festive season gets underway, supporters are being urged to don Santa costumes and either volunteer a few hours of their time for a street collection on December 12 or simply go about their normal day with a donations bucket.

All helpers need to do is register, put on a Father Christmas suit and get on their way.

Gary Lawrence, Adver editor, called on readers to play along and rally behind the fundraising appeal one last time before the end of the year.

“We have been amazed at the amount of support we have received. When we launched the appeal in February we never expected to receive so many donations in such a short space of time for Prospect Hospice.

“Of course we knew the charity meant a lot to the people of Swindon but I don’t think we realised quite how much.

“People have gone above and beyond and we have lost count of how many braved their fears or pushed themselves to the limit by taking part in skydives, marathons and desert treks in aid of the campaign.

“We are so close to our £160,000 target and just last month, we reached the £130,000 mark.

“With a little bit more help from our readers we know we can achieve our target. So please put on Santa costumes and join us for one last Christmas collection.”

Registration to the event is £5.

Contact Prospect Hospice, Moormead Road, Wroughton, SN4 9BY for further details of how to take part.