THERE is a dedicated and devoted team of staff members at the Bolton Hospice.

Each has his or her own valuable role to play in the running of this vital service.

Some of the staff and fund-raising committee members have spoken about the work they do.

Director of Fund Raising, Debra Graham, said: "Thanks! On behalf of all the patients and their families, volunteers and staff at Bolton Hospice I would like to offer a special word of thanks to the people of Bolton for all their support over the last 10 years.

"It is thanks to the generosity of the local people -- both in business and the general public -- that the doors of the Hospice remain open and we can continue to offer our specialist service to our patients, their families and carers.

"As there is no charge for the care we provide we rely heavily on the generosity of the public we service. Over the last 10 years we have cared for thousands of people and touched the hearts of many families. We can only do this with your support. Please help us to ensure that our work continues for the next 10 years and beyond.

"If you wish to make a donation to Bolton Hospice, for the 10th Anniversary, please ring Bolton 420040 or send donations, made payable to "Bolton Hospice" to the Campaign Office, Queen's Park Street, Bolton. BL1 4QT. Help us to help local people. Take 10 minutes to secure another 10 years for Bolton Hospice."

Irene Roocroft has been a member of the Bolton Hospice fund-raising committee since "the early days".

She said: "In the 1980s many small groups in the Bolton area became interested in the Hospice movement which was beginning to expand into many towns. The more people heard about the good work these places did, the more enthusiasm grew to have one in our town of Bolton.

"We were very fortunate to have Raymond Speakman take up the challenge of overseeing the local project, with the help of the many professional and business men and women in the town. The local authority generously gave the land to Bolton Hospice and the first sod was cut by the Mayor at the time, Cllr Ken McIvor.

"We have been lucky in the interest shown by the council throughout the life of the Hospice, but before a brick could be laid nearly a million pounds had to be raised. So you can see how much effort was needed to raise such an amount.

"In 1990 I was President of the Bolton Inner Wheel Club and when we were discussing which charities to support many of our members wanted to support the new Bolton Hospice, which was in the process of being built.

"We held a coffee morning and other events and were delighted when the Hospice accepted our gift of a cherry tree, which I planted in March 1991.

"Later that year I started working at the Hospice in the shed which also housed our fund-raiser, along with many more enthusiasts. This was located on the car park where the new Day Unit has been built. In fact the car park was very well used in the early days as we held summer and Christmas fairs there with the help of marquees, bouncy castles and all the trimmings. All the stallholders suffered from aching and very cold feet, but we always seemed to make a lot of money and there was a wonderful atmosphere. The nurses always ran a very noisy tombola, Christine Orrell and her Heaton ladies had an excellent home produce stall, our cook produces some very tasty food and in fact many people came for their lunch.

"The three flower clubs, Horwich, Harwood and Bolton, provided a wonderful display of Christmas arrangements and we enjoyed making that stall the colourful centrepiece.

"Before the opening, in 1992, we had recruited an army of volunteers to do some fund-raising. When the Hospice opened these people joined forces with the nursing staff and other paid employees to make it the success it is today.

"In those early days we only had the 14 beds and no out-patient facilities, but as fashion had changed we now also provide a very strong day unit and home nursing care.

"I do not think any of us, in 1992, ever thought it would have grown to this extent providing great benefit to local people -- what will it be like in another 10 years?"

Hospice night staff nurse Madge Aspinall said: "I came to this Hospice from working within the NHS. I have seen the opening of the Hospice at Home service, where patients may be cared for at home, the building and opening of the New Day Unit and out-patient services.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Princess Diana when she officially opened the Hospice in 1993 and my grandson, Daniel, presented flowers to her.

"I am a member of the night team and we organised two fund-raising events to celebrate the fifth anniversary."

Night staff nurse Sheila Archibald said: "I feel very privileged to be part of the Hospice team which, over the years since its opening has seen many changes both on day and within my team on nights.

"Many people are of the view that nothing much happens at night, but night times can be very difficult for both our patients and relatives.

"Working closely as a team enables us to give the best care and attention and above all quality time to be with patients and families. This enables us to relieve patient's symptoms and anxieties and also the anxieties of the families.

"Being a member of the original night team it was sad when within the last two years colleagues left to go to pastures new, but the night team welcomed new colleagues and the quality of care continues."