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Two leading lights backing campaign

22/ 5/2008

A FORMER mayor and the leader of Rochdale Council are backing our campaign to raise money for Springhill Hospice.

Councillor Ashley Dearnley said he was ‘delighted’ the Observer had launched an appeal to celebrate 25 years of fundraising for the hospice.

He said: "I was involved with the fundraising from the beginning and was also on the board at Springhill.

"It does a super job and benefits people throughout Rochdale. We should be proud of it."

When mayor two years ago, Cllr Dearnley chose Springhill as his charity.

His year in office resulted in many thousands of pounds going to the hospice.

Handing over a £25 cheque to the Observer appeal, he said: "I’m delighted the Observer has launched this appeal because the hospice provides such a super service."

Each day, since the launch last weekend, donations have been arriving in the post in addition to those made online through www.justgiving.com/rochdaleobserver.

Rochdale Council leader Alan Taylor was one of those who handed over £5.

Councillor Taylor said: "I fully support the Observer’s campaign and I hope that council employees can play a major role in helping achieve the target.

"About 10,000 people work for the council and we will give it as much publicity as we can."

Click here for all the latest on the appeal