STAFF from the East Lancashire Hospice will be at Asda in Blackburn on Friday to explode a few myths about the services they offer.

They will be at the store between noon and 3pm and are inviting people to drop along and see what they offer to patients suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses and their families.

Liz Crilly, day therapy unit team leader at the recently refurbished hospice, said: "People perceive that the hospice is only for patients when they become very unwell and this could not be further from the truth. The hospice provides a lot more than that, from newly diagnosed through to bereavement support for carers and their families.

"One of the major difficulties to overcome is fear, both the patients and their families.

"Obviously due to a wide number of reasons, this is why we have decided to come out into the community and attempt to raise people's awareness of our work.

"So if you feel you would like to visit the hospice stand with any questions or fears you may have then please approach us, every enquiry will of course be treated in strict confidence."

Also on hand will be Harry Grayson, the hospice's lottery manager, who will be distributing lottery leaflets and answering any questions on the new fund raising initiative.

Mr Grayson said: "Lottery is entering the fourth week of the promotional campaign and the lottery office is being bombarded enquiries with how to join. Around 1,100 people have been signed up, but we need 2,300 by the first draw on Friday, April 4, so please keep sending in your membership requests."

Meanwhile, he is looking for volunteers to help with the administration work which goes with the lottery.

He said: "As with any success story we are somewhat victims of our own success and we are working around the clock to create membership and introduction letters for everyone, so anyone who has forwarded their application forms will receive their lottery details shortly.

"The majority of collector requests have been returned from the Blackburn and Darwen area and I would appreciate anybody who would be interested in spending about four hours per week working on a voluntary basis canvassing and collecting for the lottery."

For more details contact Mr Grayson on 01254 342847.