Even at our Community Awards, there were heart-wrenching stories from people either battling various forms of the illness themselves, or helping others suffering with cancer.

That is why the Observer is delighted to offer some small help to St Wilfrid's Hospice in our new-year campaign.

The amazingly-dedicated staff at the Chichester hospice do a marvellous job, and they now want to expand their work to help those fighting cancer at home with its Hospice at Home service.

It's an ambitious project that is going to take a lot of money to set up – but the impact it will have on our community will be far-reaching.

Observer readers can help by joining in our simple campaign – and have some fun at the same time.

All we are asking is for people to wear something blue – the hospice's favourite colour – and then take part in some kind of fundraising event.

The headteachers of the senior schools and colleges in the area have already pledged their support.

Many of them have promised to hold non-uniform days at school, asking their students to pay £1 to leave their uniforms at home and instead wear blue to lessons.

That money will go into our appeal fund and we are hugely grateful for their generous support.

We want nursery schools, infant schools and junior schools to follow their lead and hold blue days throughout the month.

And maybe some businesses in the area will also join in and hold their own Blue Day and encourage their customers to join in.

From Scouts and Brownies to WI groups – anyone can help.

The month will end with the Observer's Biggest-Ever Car Boot Sale.

Fontwell racecourse bosses have offered us their facilities free of charge to hold the sale on January 24.

It will offer the opportunity for readers to get rid of their unwanted Christmas presents and to pick up some bargains – and raise money for the Hospice at Home appeal at the same time.

If you want to join in the fun with a Blue Day, let us know (telephone 01243 534132 or email news@chiobserver.co.uk) and your event will be publicised in the Observer, and you'll be entered on to our roll of honour.

Please help us to help the hospice. We hope to raise £5,000 by the end of the month to play our small part in making their project a reality.

Together, we can make a real difference...

How to show your support

Once you've collected the money, cheques made out to St Wilfrid's Hospice at Home appeal can be sent direct to the hospice at Grosvenor Road, Chichester, P019 8FP.

Cheques or cash can also be handed in at the Observer office at Unicorn House, Eastgate Square, Chichester.





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