SUPPORT from thousands of East Lancashire residents has raised a record amount of charity cash for the Pendleside Hospice.

The latest Light Up A Life appeal, an annual campaign run to try and keep the funds of the Reedley-based hospice topped up, has raised £110,093, with the milestone marked by about 950 people at a special service in the hospice grounds.

The event, which featured performances from artists including Grace O’Malley and the Basic Junior Theatre, saw 8,100 people remembered by their loved ones who dedicated a candle to their memory.

The money will be put towards the £3.8million annual cost of running the hospice.

Hospice fundraising manager Kaye Bartle said: “All of the staff at Pendleside Hospice are absolutely delighted.

“This is the biggest fund raising event we do, and we are so proud to have raised so much.

“In previous years, we have raised £107,000 so it is wonderful that we have managed to go above and beyond that.

“We are holding another event in May, which is called Little Hospice Heroes.

“The event is for children under 12 to do a sponsored walk to help raise money for Pendleside.

“The majority of the children taking part have been affected by the cause in one way or another.”

The Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Andy Tatchell, said: “The whole thing was wonderful.

“It was absolutely brilliant.

“The event is a delicate balance as people are there to celebrate the hospice, whilst remembering people they have lost.

“This hospice means so much too so many people in Burnley. I don’t know one person with a bad thing to say about them.

“This is a cause which is so close to my heart. They helped with my wife’s mother and were absolutely brilliant.”

A Burnley-based sponsor of the appeal is family run company Alderson and Horan Funeral Services which provided a leather-bound book of remembrance containing the names of everybody remembered.

Stephen Alderson from the company said: “Our business holds this charity very close to our heart.

“Pendleside Hospice helped with members of our family and offers a tremendous service to all that require it.

“Every penny that we give helps to offer a service to other families that need it.

“We are more than happy to support such a brilliant appeal.”