A PLEA for even greater efforts to push our Hospice 2000 Appeal towards its final figure of £2 million has been made after a week in which the total went up by over £50,000.

Building work on the "new look" St Leonard's Hospice in Tadcaster Road, York, is set to begin this summer.

The total for its Millennium Appeal now stands at £1,156,962, compared with the previous week's total of £1,099,011.

Karen Russell, finance and fundraising manager for the hospice, said: "We have had a really good response to the appeal recently, particularly from charitable trusts, and we are delighted that our applications are proving successful.

"Our Millennium project includes many developments to improve and extend the care for patients and families here at the hospice, and we plan to start the building work this summer. So we do hope that extra efforts will be made over the next few months to help us reach our target."

Events coming up include a plant sale at the hospice on Sunday, June 4, the Sunflower Ball on June 10, a "wear yellow day" on June 21, a special Millennium draw and the community fun day at York College on July 1.

More details on these events are available from the St Leonard's Fundraising centre on 01904-781576. Call them too if you would to organise an event or a promotion.

You can follow the appeal on the Evening Press website at:

www.thisisyork.co.uk

Donations for the appeal can be sent direct to the hospice at 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL.