THE final countdown has begun, the £2 million target is within weeks of being achieved.

Now just under £65,000 is needed to meet the goal for the St Leonard's Hospice 2000 Appeal - and the final push is on.

If every household in the Evening Press circulation area donated just 25p to the appeal, the remaining cash required to provide the much-needed hospice extension would be found within hours.

The Evening Press, in conjunction with St Leonard's Hospice, is appealing to every reader to dip into their pockets for the extra pounds needed to reach the £2 million - or to organise a final event, whether it be a cake sale or a sponsored cycle ride, to help meet the final figure.

The remaining money will be spent on kitting out the new extension to the Tadcaster Road complex, and making a pleasant environment for patients.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager for the hospice, said: "This is a very exciting point to have reached in our Millennium Appeal.

"There has been a wonderful range of events organised by individuals and groups - sponsored walks and cycle rides; street parties and concerts; bridge days and golf tournaments; pub quizzes and raffles.

"We are looking forward immensely to putting the 20th and last petal in place on our 'petalometer' as soon as we can. There is a very warm feeling for the hospice, as nearly everyone knows of someone who has been cared for here and people can see the results of their fundraising.

"We are very grateful to everyone for pulling out the stops and enabling us to get this far."

How to help:

DONATIONS can be sent to the St Leonard's fundraising office at 14 York Road, Acomb, York, YO24 4LU, or dropped off in an envelope marked for the attention of Emma Harrison, St Leonard's Hospice 2000 Appeal, at the front desk of the Evening Press in Walmgate.

Or you can call into one of the hospice shops - in Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall; The Village, Haxby; Waterloo Lane, Pocklington; and York Road, Acomb.

If you are organising or taking part in any activities for the appeal contact Emma Harrison at the Evening Press on 01904 653051 extension 314,

or e-mail her at emma.harrison@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 09:32 Saturday, June 02, 2001