WE are almost there!

In just two months, big-hearted World readers have raised a staggering £20,401 for our appeal to Save Halton Haven.

Founder Dom Valdez made an urgent plea for help to prevent his beloved cancer care centre from closing as it faced its biggest ever cash crisis.

Sadly, he died four weeks ago, but his dedicated team of staff have vowed to continue his crusade.

We are now just £4,599 short of the £25,000 target needed to save the hospice.

This week, generous well-wishers attending St Patrick's reunion in the Columba Hall, Widnes, donated the proceeds of their charity evening - almost £500.

"I was absolutely delighted to receive this donation," said Halton Haven trustee Stella Lewis.

"I was made to feel so welcome. It was a lovely evening."

This week, Halton Haven appointed a new team to lead the hospice into the summer.

Former nursing manager Jean Oldroyd has returned from retirement, for three months, to work as an administrator and fundraising co-ordinator.

She is making a new appeal for volunteers - anyone who can spare an odd hour or two.

"We are looking for volunteers to help us out with various things," said Jean.

"We would appreciate some help manning reception at weekends and to do some gardening."

Retired Widnes GP Dr Tony Entwistle, a keen gardener, has offered to co-ordinate a team of volunteers to look after the Haven grounds.

References will be required from all volunteers.

Application forms to become a volunteer are available by enclosing a SAE to Halton Haven, Barnfield Avenue, Murdishaw, Runcorn.

Halton Haven volunteers will be collecting donations at Widnes Asda on Saturday, March 27 from 11.30am-1.30pm when Magic 1548 presenter Pete Price is selling copies of his new video. He has pledged to donate £1 to the Haven from every video sold.

Collections will also be made next week at Morrisons in Greenoaks shopping centre.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.