A PROMINENT Basingstoke charity is launching a brand new community fundraising campaign.

St Michael’s Hospice announced on January 21 that they will be holding a new event for this year, called ‘A Pound for Patients Day.’

On Friday, 8 March, the hospice team will be asking the whole of north Hampshire to band together and donate just one pound each with the aim of raising as much money as possible in 24 hours.

Businesses, gyms, clubs and social groups in the area are invited to take part in the day, with their own fundraising activities to raise money.

The total raised from the day will go to help the hospice care for local patients and families who are facing a life-limiting illness.

Community campaigns co-ordinator at St Michael’s Hospice, Lynne Grimshaw, said: “On March 8, we will be asking as many of the wonderful people of north Hampshire as possible to donate one pound, to help us to continue with the vital care and support to local families going through the toughest times.

“It’s so easy to take part and donate: you can join us at the Malls in Basingstoke, drop off your pound at one of our ten retails stores or pop into the Hospice.

“We would also love our supporters to get involved by organising their own fundraising events from dress down days, to fitness challenges, quizzes and bake sales.

“The more creative way to raise your pounds the better.”

Members of the team will be going out and about visiting the fundraisers.

Deputy head of fundraising at St Michael’s Hospice, Daisy Mitchell, added: “We plan to spend the day travelling across north Hampshire meeting with as many of our supporters as possible to grab a photo with our A Pound for Patients Day photo frame and to collect any pounds our supporters would like to donate.

“We know that every single pound raised on the day will make a real difference.

“A Pound for Patients Day is all about the power we can have when we come together for a common cause.

“One pound might not sound like much, but it all adds up and makes a huge difference to the Hospice.”

To find out more about the day, visit the Hospice’s website at stmichaelshospice.org.uk/A_Pound_for_Patients_Day or call Lynette Grimshaw on 01256 848 845.