THE Northern Institute of Massage is again presenting a special day for therapists to help raise funds for Bury Hospice.

On Saturday, April 5, Meadbh MacSweeney, a nurse-therapist from the Bon Secour Hospital in Cork, will demonstrate her work with cancer patients.

Last year, this event raised £400 for hospice funds as well as passing on useful techniques to nurses and therapists to use in their treatments. Three nurses from Bury Hospice will attend the seminar as special guests of the Northern Institute, based at St Mary's Place, Bury.

The following day, the Institute is the main sponsor of the Holcombe Hill Challenge which is arranged by well-known local runner Marie Caldwell to raise funds as part of the hospice's Red Rose Week.

The Challenge starts and finishes at the Hare & Hounds in Holcombe Brook on Sunday, April 6. The challenge starts at 11am. Entrants may walk or run the course. There is no entry fee but there are many "spot prizes" and certificates for all those who finish the course.