IT started 12 months ago as a dream to raise £200,000 for Bolton’s Marie Curie nurses.

In the past year, there have been fundraisers galore, with people across the borough and beyond getting involved.

At the end of May, the total amount raised had reached £150,000.

Now the campaign, backed by The Bolton News, has been extended until the end of September. It means that with one last push, and the help of people in Bolton, we can hit our target.

All the money will be used to provide free home nursing care for terminally ill people in the town.

Hannah Taylor, community fundraiser with Marie Curie, said: “It’s been a great effort from the community to get to the figure we are at and we are really pleased with it.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has contributed so far.

“We are so close to the £200,000 and are still confident we can make it.

“Along with The Bolton News, we have made the decision to extend the appeal a bit longer, giving the community the chance to have a final push to get to £200,000.

“If people thought it was too late, you’ve got three more months, there’s still time to do your bit.”

Fundraisers so far have included tea parties, marathons, football matches, collections, dance events and moustache shaves.

Ian Savage, Editor-in-Chief of The Bolton News, said: “We are delighted to continue backing the appeal, and what a fantastic response we have had so far.

“We are going all out to hit the £200,000 mark by the end of September, so are urging everyone, especially businesses to get behind us.”

Marie Curie nurses care for terminally ill pateints overnight, allowing their family to get much-needed rest and enabling the patients to stay at home, dying where they are most comfortable.

Every £20 raised pays for an hour of care.

To find out more about the appeal and how you can help, visit theboltonnews.co.uk/ mariecurie or call 0161 255 2809.

The latest events are Blooming Great Tea Parties. To host your own or attend one contact the above number for more details.

Let us know about your fundraising on 01204 537203.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk