RESIDENTS in Okehampton and surrounding area are being urged to raise money for Hospiscare Week next month.

The charity is asking for the community to help raise money to help care for people with terminal illness in Devon, by taking part in the Hospiscare Week lottery and wearing a special orange ribbon to show their support.

The charity is hoping that its annual awareness raising week will help to raise the £8,000 a day it needs to reach its target of £3.5-million this year, as part of its Ease the Pain appeal.

Director of fundraising for Hospiscare, Alison Palfrey, said: 'Every day we care for hundreds of local people and their families, free of charge.

'Our 30 community nurses visit patients at home and give them invaluable care and support, in their own homes, when they need it most.

'As well as the community support we provide, the in-patient hospice cares for patients who need 24 hour medical support, whether it be pain relief, symptom control or nursing care during their last days.

Mrs Palfrey said the money raised will help support the people suffering.

'Businesses and schools can take part in the event by organising an office summer hamper raffle or a non uniform day, bring and buy sale or sponsored silence.

'We need to raise £3.5 million pounds every single year, to continue helping to ease the physical and emotional pain of terminal illness, and making a difference to people's lives.

'All the money we raise goes to local services for local people and we hope as many people as possible will do something for their hospice service.'

Lottery tickets and ribbons are on sale at all of Hospiscare shop in Okehampton.

Hospiscare Week runs from Saturday, June 6 to Saturday June 13.

For more information phone 01392 688020 or visit http://www.hospiscare.co.uk">www.hospiscare.co.uk for a fundraising pack.