WE have reached our £160,000 target right on schedule and it is all thanks to you, our generous readers.

Many were sceptical when we launched the 160 Appeal to mark our 160th anniversary in February in a bid to raise the mammoth sum for Prospect Hospice.

But, from the outset, readers rallied behind the campaign by signing up to gruelling physical challenges and even shaving their heads to help fund end-of-life care in Swindon.

Our most successful supporters went above and beyond securing as much as £4,000, £8,000 and £23,000 each for the appeal.

“From the start our readers have rallied behind us,” said Adver editor Gary Lawrence.

“When we set our target we were not certain it would be achievable; so to be able to raise £160,000 in less than a year is absolutely amazing.

“Big or small, everybody’s kind donations have kept us going and coming up with new ways to raise money over the last 11 months.

“The campaign also allowed us to put the spotlight on the hospice’s supporters, who too often remain in the shadows. Their achievements as well as those of the hospice deserved to be celebrated and we are extremely proud to have played a part in promoting their fundraising efforts.”

Prospect must secure £5.8 million each year to care for the people of Swindon and North Wiltshire.

Yet, it 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.

Prospect chief executive Angela Jordan added: “I want to say a huge thank you to Gary and the team at the Swindon Advertiser for all that they have done to help reach this incredible target this year. “Their commitment to raising the profile of Prospect Hospice, and highlighting just some of the incredible support that we are shown by our community, has made this possible. We are very appreciative for all their hard work during 2014.

“Additionally, I must thank the people of the community and readers of the Swindon Advertiser for their commitment to our appeal throughout the year, and for all the creative, energetic and thoughtful ways in which they have contributed towards this remarkable appeal.”

£160,000 will 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 will cover 6,400 hours of support of the 24-hour Prospect@Home service.

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