SCHOOLS, businesses and fundraising groups are getting behind our bid to raise £100,000 for a new children's hospice in Devizes.

The Gazette has pledged to raise cash for pay for nurses and carers for Julia's House as part of our 200th anniversary celebrations.

People all over the county have taken Julia's House to their hearts and are doing their bit to help the cause. These include Chippenham Wiltshire Vale Rotary Club which raised £1,000 from a Christmas collection.

Club president Cliff Fiander said: "Thanks to the generosity of club members and of everyone who contributed to our Christmas collection, we are very pleased to be able to make this donation and support the extraordinarily valuable work done by Julia’s House to help life-limited children and their families across Wiltshire meet the difficulties and challenges of long term illness."

Devizes women's clothes shop Spirit is to hold a fashion show to raise money for the hospice on March 8. Models of all ages will take to the cat walk at Pizza Express in the Market Place to show off the shops different ranges from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 to cover entrance to the show and supper. Book a table by visiting the shop in the High Street or ring 01380 729933.

Schools in Wiltshire are also being encouraged to support our 200 Appeal in a number of ways. Wiltshire fundraising manager for Wiltshire Ian Wadley said: "Schools can do this by raising awareness of Julia’s House through lessons or assemblies, or through a range of fun fundraising initiatives. Fundraising ideas include holding a non-uniform day or bake sale during Children’s Hospice Week, which runs from May 23 to 29, organising a Time for Tea party in June or taking part in a sporting challenge.

"Schools make a tremendous difference to the work of Julia’s House and we are hoping that as many as possible are able to support this hugely important appeal to help local families."

If your school would like to get involved or if you would like Julia’s House to give a presentation in assembly, please contact Liz Froud on 01980 677105 or email liz.froud@juliashouse.org

Ged Montgomery