SAINT Catherine’s Hospice is appealing for help from supporters in Ryedale after being shortlisted in a scheme which could net the charity thousands of pounds.

The hospice is one of only three charities from the whole of Yorkshire to be in the running for a £5,000 donation from the Nationwide Building Society.

But to secure the money, it needs Ryedale supporters to back Saint Catherine’s in an on-line vote by visiting http://your.nationwide.co.uk/thebiglocal

The hospice has already won a guaranteed £200 but if it can secure the most votes by the end of October, it will also win the additional funding.

Sarah Locker, Community Manager at Saint Catherine’s, thanked the many supporters who had already responded and appealed for more votes.

“Hundreds of people have already voted for us but we’re hoping lots more will support us,” she added.

“We’re just about to launch a hospice at home service so any additional money to help our work at Saint Catherine’s would be put to very good use.”

Saint Catherine’s supports patients with life-limiting illnesses over a huge area including Ryedale.

Chloe Keen, Senior Citizenship Manager at Nationwide, said she urged people to get involved and have a say in who should receive the donation.

“We are supporting charities from Yorkshire in October,” she added.

“Saint Catherine’s is one of three great causes nominated by our members and we encourage everyone to vote.”