A GREAT-grandmother who has terminal cancer is urging people to join a final push to take The Bolton News Garden of Tranquillity Appeal to its £100,000 target Eunice Whitton was diagnosed with cervical cancer 18 months ago.

The brave 85-year-old, who beat bowel cancer 12 years ago, made the heartbreaking decision not to have surgery or other treatment because she wanted to enjoy her remaining years.

Mrs Whitton, of Great Lever, attends Bolton Hospice as a day patient, where she receives pain medication and help and support with her illness.

Money raised by The Bolton News' Garden of Tranquillity Appeal will be spent on transforming the rundown gardens at the hospice into an attractive haven of rest Mrs Whitton, who has been a widow for 23 years, said: "The hospice is such a wonderful place and I've had so much support and help there, I just can't explain how much it's helped me.

"It would be marvellous to be able to sit out, or even just look at a beautiful garden, and I would urge people to do all they can to help the hospice reach the total."

So far, more than £90,000 has been raised to renovate the hospice gardens, which have not been revamped since the facility opened almost 15 years ago.

The patio areas have cracked, broken and uneven paving stones. They are mainly covered in grass, meaning people in wheelchairs and those using Zimmer frames cannot access them.

Under the Garden of Tranquillity plans, pathways will be created, providing disabled access, and there will be private seating areas where patients can spend time with their loved ones. There will also be a sensory garden and a water feature.

To contribute to the appeal, cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Bolton Hospice and returned to The Bolton News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.

If you are organising a fundraising event contact The Bolton News health correspondent, Jane Lavender, on 01204 537350.