First target reached in Myton hospices nurse appeal

The appeal was launched in October 2011

Organisers of an appeal to raise money for more hospice nurses have said they have reached their first target.

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire said £30,000 had either been already banked or pledged for its Myton hospices campaign.

This would pay for Myton to recruit, train and support a nurse for a year, it said.

The hospices in Rugby, Coventry and Warwick offer free care to 2,000 people every year.

The hospice said each new nurse would care for 43 extra patients.

'Life is continuing'

The 12-month appeal was launched at the end of October.

Kate Lee, chief executive of Myton said she was really pleased with "such and amazing effort in such a short period of time".

The appeal was launched with support from pop star Hazel O'Connor who said her mother and stepfather spent time in the hospices after both being diagnosed with cancer.

"Staff try to make you feel that life is continuing," she said.

"Here it's about living, about the moment and about every single moment mattering and that's what they taught me."

Jeremy Pollock, editor of BBC Coventry & Warwickshire said: "This first milestone is wonderful news - even more exciting is the fact there's plenty more time for fundraising, so we're really looking towards the coming months".

Fund-raising packs are available from Myton, and updates about the BBC C&W Myton Nurse Appeal will be broadcast after events and as and when landmarks have been reached.