TIME is as precious as money — that is the message from the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal.

The Bolton volunteers fundraising group for the charity has raised more than £70,000 since it formed three years ago.

Now, its members will be contributing to a campaign, backed by The Bolton News, to raise £200,000 so more nurses can help local people.

The fundraising campaign was launched at the end of June and aims to hit the target over 12 months.

The money will provide terminally-ill people with free nursing care, enabling them to be cared for and die in their own homes.

People are being asked to make donations or organise fundraisers, but they can also give their time.

Kathleen Taylor, chairman of the group, said: “It is rewarding work and is for such a good cause. We are always looking for more collectors and they only need spare a couple of hours at Christmas and in the spring.

“Also, we’d like to hear from any business that wants to be a site for a collection tin.”

The volunteers fundraising group was formed in 2006.

A committee of around a dozen people help champion local fundraising, including co-ordinating collections for the annual Great Daffodil Appeal, organising Christmas supermarket collections, arranging donation tins and planning events.

Members are the local face of the charity, promoting its work, taking part in events and giving talks.

They are supported by around 30 volunteers, who man collections, look after boxes and help out at events.

Hannah Taylor, community fundraiser for Marie Curie in Bolton, said: “The members are always willing to give time to help us. They’ve been instrumental in fundraising for the appeal and will continue to be. If anyone in Bolton would like to support the appeal, we’d love them to join our team of volunteers.”

To find out more call Hannah Taylor on 0161 255 2809 or 07798 638127 or visit thebolton news.co.uk/mariecurie