LET Grove House be the inspiration to do something great this year – that s the message from the St Albans day hospice. Grove House, in the grounds of St Albans City Hospital, is about to launch its new 24-hour Hospice at Home Service and is urging suppor

LET Grove House be the inspiration to do something great this year - that's the message from the St Albans day hospice.

Grove House, in the grounds of St Albans City Hospital, is about to launch its new 24-hour Hospice at Home Service and is urging supporters to make New Year resolutions to help the service.

Chief executive Mark Lister explained: "We rely heavily on the support of the community to keep our services running. This year even more so as we launch our new 24-hour Hospice at Home service."

If you are planning to get fit, why not train for one of the Grove House annual sporting events. The Midnight Walk takes place on June 28 and the Herts 10K Run on October 12.

Volunteers

Grove House has five Triathlon places waiting to be filled and if you have a place in the Flora London Marathon in April, fundraising director Paul Parrish would love to hear from you.

This might be the year you decide to give something back to the community. Grove House is always looking for volunteers and voluntary services manager Wendy Burns said they were really valued.

She added: "It is an excellent opportunity to put something back and learn new skills. All our volunteers receive training so that they feel confident when they are here. We would be particularly interested at the moment to hear from anyone who would like to help with patient transport."

Another way of helping Grove House is by leaving a gift or legacy in your will. Seven out of 10 people never get around to making one but it is a simple way to provide for family and friends after your death as well as support your favourite charity.

Grove House is grateful to the many local people who have already supported them in this way and is keen to increase its income from legacies.

Another resolution could be to join the Grove House lottery and enjoy the opportunity to win £1,000 every single week of the year. Winning numbers are drawn every Friday night and lottery number cost just £1 so not only could you win extra cash but you could also help the hospice.

Anyone who has not got the time could consider filling in a direct debit form and making a regular donation to Grove House. If you are a UK taxpayer, Grove House can claim the tax back on your donation if you sign a Gift Aid Declaration. Another easy way to donate regularly is via the website www.justgiving.com

Said Paul Parrish: "We really appreciate regular donations. It means that we can make plans to continue to build and add to our services with confidence, giving much needed support to local people and their families facing cancer and illness."

For more information about Grove House and the services it offers, phone 01727 731000 or look at the website www.grove-house.org.uk where you will also find information about volunteering and making a donation.