AS the Evening Press Hospice 2000 Appeal reaches its latest big milestone a big Christmas thank-you to friends and supporters of St Leonard's - both known and anonymous - has gone out from its chief executive.

Expressing gratitude for their help, volunteering, donations and fund raising, Steven Harker said: "Yet again, so many people have organised events, helped behind the scenes, supported our shops or bought our Christmas cards.

"The Sunflower Ball in the summer, the recent Buy a Brick scheme and the Light up a Life Christmas Tree have all been just some of the popular events held this year and have brought us new friends.

"There are those who give and volunteer their time and services regularly and those who join us on special occasions.

"We are sometimes overwhelmed by your generosity and so grateful for your dedication and goodwill.

"This year has seen two exciting milestones - the laying of the foundation stone and the start of the new in-patient annexe which will enable us to extend and develop our services, and the achievement of £1.6 million towards our £2 million Millennium Appeal.

"It is through your support, and the backing of the Evening Press, that we have been able to achieve all this. we are grateful too to BBC Radio York and Minster FM and the whole business community.

"Without you we quite simply would not be able to embark on developments for the future or continue the care for patients, and families."