We did it! We have beaten the £200,000 target, set when the Hospice Heroes appeal was launched last autumn.

Thanks to our friends at the Blackpool Gazette, the appeal total now stands at £214,000…and counting. There are still events planned which will take the final total even higher.

To everyone who took part – thank you. Whether you completed a sponsored event, ran the Santa Dash, gave a donation, joined in Grin and Wear it day, put money in a collection bucket or filled a jam jar – we couldn’t have done it without your support.

The Hospice Heroes appeal has helped to transform Trinity and Brian House in the biggest refurbishment in our 30 year history.

And the timing could not be better: the improvements are now complete and on Friday (June 27) we are holding an Open Afternoon from 3pm-6pm so that our supporters can come and see for themselves just what a difference they have made.

Trinity Chief Executive David Houston said: “We feel like World Cup winners, lifting the trophy on behalf of all the patients and families who will benefit from the stunning improvements in Trinity and Brian House.

“I am blown away by the amazing generosity of local people who have rallied to the Gazette’s “Hospice Heroes” Capital Appeal to raise over £200,000 in seven months. This is in addition to the nearly £5m we have to raise each year to ensure the hospice stays open.

“Walking through our In-patient Unit or Brian House today is a joy and speaking to patients about the difference the improvements has made for them makes us all incredibly proud.

“There is such a bright and welcoming spirit to the place, patients have more choice and we can ensure more families can have even greater dignity in life and death. Children in Brian House now have more space to play and live their lives to the fullest thanks to Gazette readers’ amazing generosity. Thanks to the Gazette for being a wonderful partner.”