BIG-HEARTED World readers are rallying round to help save Halton Haven.

Following the cancer care centre's urgent appeal for £25,000 in last week's paper, the hospice has been inundated with donations and offers of help.

Families, factories, schools, offices, shops and businesses throughout Runcorn and Widnes have sent cash and started organising all sorts of fundraising events.

Founder Dom Valdez said: "It has been unbelievable. I can't thank people enough. We've had an incredible response.

"We're knee-deep in letters and the messages have been really lovely. It's great the way people respond when you're in trouble. It has reconfirmed my faith in ordinary people."

A staggering £2,238 was donated in the first two days.

Thousands more have been pledged by countless fund-raising efforts.

The Haven's grand Easter raffle has already sold a record number of tickets.

Several old folk have handed in their savings.

Young schoolgirls raised £35 by selling their own home-made jewellery.

One housebound woman sent £200 with a letter saying it was far more use to the Haven than it was to her.

Another pensioner sent £25, with a note saying she wished she could add three noughts on to it.

"I'm so moved by the touching letters we have received," said Dom. "It's great that people out there are thinking of us."

A successful cabaret group, Night Games, who have landed a booking at a top Las Vegas venue have offered to sing for Dom - and waive their fees.

Runcorn singer Alison Daly will be performing at the Runcorn RNA on Saturday, February 13.

Her brother, Dion Peddle is hoping his company Abbey National will double any funds raised.

Their mum, Lilly, is organising the event. She said: "We've had a great response from everyone, donating tickets and raffle prizes. We are hoping to raise lots of money for the Haven."

She is now looking for a DJ. Anyone who can help is asked to ring Lilly on 01928 718378.

Local choirs and classical musicians have also offered to perform for the haven.

Plans are underway for a concert.

The Haven's three charity shops - in High Street, Frodsham, Church Street, Runcorn and Widnes Road, Widnes - have been inundated with donations of clothes and unwanted items.

If you would like to help our Save the Haven appeal, cheques made payable to Halton Haven can be sent to Halton Haven, Barnfield Avenue, Murdishaw, Runcorn. Telephone: 01928 719454/712728.

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