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Fans help us shoot towards £25,000 goal

30/ 5/2008

ROCHDALE AFC fans have helped us smash through the £2,000 barrier in our Springhill Hospice appeal.

Generous supporters lapped up our foam hands before the Darlington game and raised £881.81 towards our total.

The club’s business manager, Iain Johnston, said: "We are delighted to have helped raise such a large amount of money."

Chef Andrew Nutter helped the total through the £900 barrier with £25 for a foam hand to take to Wembley.

He offered to split £50 between the Springhill Hospice and any Observer reader preparing to sell him a hand.

He was delighted when more than 20 people contacted his Norden restaurant offering their help.

He said: "I am delighted to have helped the hospice."

We have been asking people to give a minimum £5 donation and if everyone does, together we can raise the £25,000 needed to refurbish one of the in-patient bays in the hospice.

Since the appeal was launched on 10 May, the community has been quick to respond, including civic leaders and local politicians and we are fast approaching the £2,500 mark

The latest to do so is Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s Labour parliamentary candidate.

Handing over his £5, Mr Danczuk said: "I’m delighted to be supporting the Rochdale Observer’s appeal for Springhill Hospice.

"I urge everyone to donate so that the £25,000 target can be achieved soon."

Following Mr Danczuk’s lead is his agent and former leader of the Rochdale Labour group, Allen Brett.

Mr Brett has kindly sent us a cheque for £25.

We will continue to print the names of everyone who donates a minimum of £5 to the cause.