St Leonard's Hospice staff believe they are only a few months away from reaching the £2 million Hospice 2000 target.

The latest figure for the appeal stands at £1,857,450.26 - meaning there is less than £150,000 to find !

And the staff at the York hospice are hoping to reach that by the summer.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager at St Leonard's, said she was very excited that the clock is making its final ticks towards the target.

She said: "It's so exciting that we are now approaching the end of our campaign.

"The people of York have been marvellous in supporting this appeal for the hospice. Individuals and businesses have worked tremendously hard to raise the money.

"Now it's less than £150,000 to go and we hope to achieve that by the summer."

Meanwhile, staff and members of Fitness First gym in Clifton Moor have now raised a total of £1,232 for the appeal.

Their latest efforts, a series of Easter events when staff dressed as bunnies and supervised egg hunts, raised £358.

Wendy Challis-Jones, membership executive, said: "The hospice is a popular charity, especially as people feel it is so close to home."

Janet Morley added: "The staff at Fitness First have worked hard for the appeal, and we are very grateful to them and everyone who contributed."

Staff at St Leonard's are now plotting the final fundraising drive, so watch this space for the final countdown.