CONCERTS, balls and pantomime horse races are some of the events planned to mark Dorothy House's 30th anniversary.

The Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News is asking readers to help make 2006 special for the Winsley hospice by adopting Dorothy House as their chosen charity and getting involved in fundraising events.

Each year the hospice gives vital support to 1,500 patients suffering from terminal illnesses. It only receives 40 per cent of its funding from the NHS so depends on donations to raise the £6,000 a day it needs to run its services.

Fundraising director Katrina Sudbury said: "This year we are having a great celebration for the occasion. Each year we are caring for more and more people and almost everyone locally knows someone who has benefited from Dorothy House. "For 30 years it has given care to so many people and that is thanks to the generosity of local people."

The celebratory events will culminate with a concert starring Lesley Garrett, on June 21, at Forum, Bath and a ball in Queen's Square, Bath, on June 30. Corporate and events fundraiser Phillipa Watson also hopes to find 30 horses to enter the annual Round Table Handicap Stakes race at the family fun day at Lansdown on June 11.

The idea is for competitors to race dressed as pantomime horses. Entries do not have to be equine, however, with cows, camels, giraffes and hippos equally welcome. Ms Watson said: "Last year the pantomime horse race raised more than £8,000 for charity, so we are hoping to equal or even improve on that amount for Dorothy House this year, our 30th birthday."

The hospice has also produced a new DVD, made by Bradford on Avon producer Michael Darlow. The film, which shows the work of the hospice and follows a group of patients has been been narrated by Dame Judi Dench.

  • To give a regular donation contact (01225) 721480 or email susan.kenny @dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk or send individual donations to Dorothy House Hospice Care, Winsley, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2LE.
  • Alternatively you can give via the website www.dorothyhouse.co.uk