MERVYN Reeves has been appointed to the newly-created post of Bury Hospice fundraising manager.

And he brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked in a similar capacity with St Ann's Hospice in Manchester.

Previous to that, Mervyn worked as the business and fundraising manager at Age Concern Manchester and so is no stranger to charity fundraising within the voluntary sector.

This year, Bury Hospice celebrates 10 years of providing care and support for local people with a life threatening or terminal illness, their families and carers.

Mervyn will be working with companies, organisations and individuals to ensure this work continues and expands well into the 21st century.

He said: "As the demand for our services increase, so we aim to meet this huge challenge. "New sources of income and new ways of fundraising may be needed. Just to stand still and keep the Hospice open, we need to raise more than £650,000 this year."

He added: "The recently announced Government statement on nurses' pay is already putting pressure on our budget forecasts.

"But with the continuing help and support of local people, we can make this possible."

If anyone wishes to talk to Mervyn about getting involved and making a difference, he can be contacted at 89 The Rock, Bury, or by telephoning 797 1748.

Bury Hospice has also announced that those people who dedicated a light in memory of a loved one at Christmas can view the "Books of Life" at its charity shop, at the address, this Sunday (Jan 14) between 10am-4pm.