I WOULD like to take the opportunity to thank all those wonderful volunteers who helped us with our house-to-house collections in Chorley, Preston and South Ribble and those who donated so generously.

In total £28,500 was collected -- enough to run the hospice for almost a week!

It is a tremendous contribution and everybody at St Catherine's is truly appreciative of the generosity of spirit that the people of the area show time after time.

Without those who give time and money, St Catherine's would not be able to to provide the care it does for local people.

John Nickson (appeals manager),

St Catherine's Hospice,

Lostock Hall, Preston.