Time to see what you’ve achieved..

Thanks to the generosity of Gazette readers – who donated in their thousands through our Hospice Heroes campaign – we announced last week we had smashed our £200,000 fund-raising target for the Bispham-based hospice.

The £268,000 raised, for a much-needed modernisation of the Low Moor Road facility and Brian House children’s hospice, is now being put to good use.

Readers held mass fancy dress days, took part in daredevil stunts and raised cash by buying tickets to major events like Rod Stewart’s spectacular appearance at Bloomfield Road to help raise the phenomenal amount in a matter of months.

And now bosses at Trinity want readers to come along and see for themselves how the cash was spent.

The hospice is extending an invitation to all readers to go along to an open day, which is being held as part of National Hospice Care Week on Sunday, October 12.

Hospice Care Week is seven days of events and activities to help raise the profile of hospice care across the UK.

And, this year, Trinity bosses say it is a great opportunity for local people who helped pay for the hospice’s ambitious refurbishment to see what a difference they made.

The open day is being held from 10am to 2pm, and will include a talk from the Trinity’s medical director Dr Susan Salt about palliative care at 11am and a talk on dementia friends at noon.

Linzi Young, head of fund-raising at Trinity, said: “This is a great opportunity to see how donations made through the Hospice Heroes appeal have helped Trinity, and to learn more about what we do for local people.

“Sometimes it can be hard to set foot in a hospice for the first time, but I want to reassure everyone of a warm welcome and a very positive experience.

“We have put together a short tour which ensures no patients are disturbed, and there is also a chance to see our Day Therapy Unit, the Linden Centre and Brian House.

“There is plenty of parking available and no need to book – just drop in.”

Hospice Care Week is nationwide, and this year emphasises that hospice care is everywhere – not just in the hospice buildings.

The recent launch of Trinity’s pilot Hospice at Home service with the NHS’ Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) is part of that ethos.

For the first time, Trinity nurses and healthcare assistants provide a home visiting service overnight across the Fylde coast.

Linzi added: “As a local charity, we know how important it is for us to be at the heart of the community.

“We rely on voluntary donations to keep our doors open, and ensure that our compassionate care remains free of charge to those who need it.

“Meeting people on open day will be a good way to say a personal thank-you to our supporters.”