A group of chatterbox knitters has sewn up £100 for our Millennium hospice appeal.

The "knitter natters" dropped one, pearled one and raised bucketloads of cash in aid of St Leonard's Hospice.

It is the first new donation since we launched the Evening Press's biggest campaign ever - to raise £2 million for an extension to the Tadcaster Road hospice.

Jean Parminter, of the Badger Hill and Heslington Knitter Natter group, said the group decided to donate the money the moment they heard about the appeal.

The group of about 12 women, who meet to knit and chat every fortnight, was set up 12 years ago by Marjorie York, who died in St Leonard's Hospice.

Jean said: "People used to laugh at us because we said our group had a knit, a natter, a cup of tea and a bun, so we ended up just calling ourselves the Knitter Natters.

"Our sessions are just a social afternoon but we like to raise money while we do it.

"We made £100 selling dolls and we decided we would give it to St Leonard's Hospice to start off the Millennium appeal.

"We've already raised a little more for it which we'll be handing over soon too.

"We just like to feel that we are doing something to help others."

The Knitter Natters' donation comes on top of a magnificent £333,000 bequest to the hospice from a former patient of St Leonard's, which was in the bank on the first day of the appeal.

The £2 million appeal will mean greater comfort and privacy for patients, as well as improved day care facilities, a wider range of therapies and increased support for families of the terminally ill.

It will be used to pay for a brand new, purpose-built extension to the Tadcaster Road hospice.

PLAYING YOUR PART

We need YOUR help to make the appeal a soaraway success.

Every little helps. What we really want is for this to be an appeal that everybody in York and North Yorkshire can take part in and feel a part of. If you can help, or have an idea for raising cash, contact Janet Morley at St Leonard's Hospice fundraising centre at 12/14 York Road, Acomb YO24 4LU, or ring 01904 781576, fax 780817, or Stephen Lewis at the Evening Press on 01904 653051 Ext 358.

DONATIONS

A special bank account has been opened with NatWest in Market Street, York, to accept donations directly. The account number is 36572608, sort code 56-00-70. Cheques should be made payable to St Leonard's Hospice. Cheques can also be sent to finance and fundraising manager Karen Russell c/o St Leonard's Hospice Fundraising Centre, 12/14 York Road, Acomb, York YO24 4LU. Credit card donations can be made by calling York 781576. You should also ring this number if you are organising an event.

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