Hospice work is under way

A TURF CUTTING ceremony has taken place to mark the start of building work on the eagerly anticipated extension at the Garden House Hospice.

The new Sir Nigel Hawthorne Centre at the hospice, in Gillison Close, Letchworth GC, is the first phase of a development to extend and improve the hospice.

The centre is named after the late president and Oscar-nominated actor who gave invaluable support to the hospice before his death in December 2001.

The extension will provide a day hospice, with room for out patient consultations and therapeutic treatments and it is hoped this phase will be completed by early 2007.

Over the past 16 months The Comet and its readers have helped to donate a staggering £54,000 to the hospice to help towards the extension.

Yet more money is needed to help the hospice reach its £100,000 target by the end of the year.

To help raise funds, the Garden House Hospice is taking part in Tea at 3, a simple and fun way to raise money either at work, school or in your own home.

The event runs throughout June with people encouraged to hold tea parties or make a donation on their tea breaks to the hospice.

Call the hospice on 01462 679540 for more information or visit www.teaat3.org.uk

The manager of the hospice, Jenny Lupton, said: "We have already had a very good response from offices prepared to have a sponsored tea break to events in sheltered housing for the elderly to a toddler tea party."

This Friday, as part of the event, staff at Ottakar's bookstore in Hitchin will be dressed in football kits to support the England team and raise money for the hospice.

Then on Saturday the store is holding a Stitch 'n' Bitch afternoon where non-football lovers can get out their knitting needles and join in with Tea at 3.

Call 01462 422 329 to book a place at the table.