HOLLYWOOD megastar Hugh Grant has lent his support to a campaign backed by The Bolton News to raise more money for Marie Curie Cancer nurses.

The film star, whose mother died from pancreatic cancer in 2001, is an ambassador for the charity.

Bolton Marie Curie Nurses, supported by The Bolton News, are trying to raise £200,000 in the borough over 12 months, to provide more home nursing care for terminally ill people.

Grant, aged 48, said : “I know from my own experience how important it is to have someone you love die at home, cared for by a Marie Curie nurse.

“That’s why I’m supporting the Bolton nursing appeal; £20 can pay for an hour of care but you don’t have to just donate your money, you could get sponsored to take on a challenge, hold an event or share some of your time and skills.

“Whatever way you can, please support Bolton’s Marie Curie nurses, they do such an amazing job.”

There are 21 nurses in Bolton, who provided more than 12,000 hours of care last year, free of charge, to people with cancer and other terminal conditions, enabling them to die at home. The charity wants to double the number of people it helps and has the backing of The Bolton News.

The face of the Bolton appeal, local nurse Sue Irwin, is pictured as she met Grant, who has appeared in films including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and Notting Hill, at an event in London last month.

He was launching a campaign to highlight the nursing services available to terminally ill people.

Mrs Irwin, aged 42, who lives in Bolton, said: “He was a fantastic guy and obviously feels very passionately about the work we do.

“He was very down to earth and at the end of the day he is a son who has lost his mum.

“It is great to have him supporting our appeal, he will help raise the profile and I hope other people will get behind us.”

A number of events have been held across Bolton to raise cash for the appeal.

You can make a donation online at mariecurie.org.uk/bolton or see the website for details of how to send a cheque in.

People are also being urged to organise an event and can visit mariecurie.org.uk to find out more or contact Hannah Taylor on 0161 255 2809 or 07798 638127.

Let us know about your fundraiser on 01204 537203 and we will cover as many as we can.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk