ST RICHARD'S Hospice needs to raise more than £1 million this year, and it is looking to the Worcestershire community's help to do it.

The hospice supports and cares for more than 1,000 people suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses every year in south Worcestershire.

More than 500 volunteers give their time to help run the hospice and its services, supporting the core staff of 45 professionals.

All services are run from its base in Rose Hill, Worcester, but the hospice continues to care for people in their own homes, too.

The independent charity also provides many essential community services.

"The hospice has grown enormously, not only in patient numbers but in services on offer," said Jeannie Young, chairman of the board of governors.

She said it was a sad fact that one in three people would be touched by cancer.

"Despite the best efforts and advances in modern medicine, sometimes there needs to be a change in focus from cure to care."

The hospice's services now include a home care team, a day hospice, a group especially for young women, a counselling and bereavement service, spiritual care and 24-hour on-call support. There is also an award-winning education and resource centre.

All services and care are free, paid for through donations, legacies, the hospice's nine charity shops, the Hospice Lottery and events organised by the hospice fund-raising department and by the community.

Marilyn Peachey, director of fund-raising for the hospice, said it was the efforts of the 550 volunteers and the efforts of the Worcestershire community, that enabled the hospice to provide the level and breadth of care it did.

"They have ensured St Richard's continues to offer care to patients and their families at a very threatening time," she said.

For information on how you can help St Richard's, through donations, fund-raising or as a volunteer, phone 01905 763963 or e-mail: appeals@StRichards.org.uk