I am a volunteer at Great Oaks hospice and until I actually got involved with the hospice didn't realise that they depend very much on the generosity and goodwill of the people of The Forest of Dean for funding.

The Foresters are very generous in their support of the shops which continues to provide over a third of the running costs of the hospice The public also regularly attend functions and fund-raising events organised by the hospice and fund-raising committee.

I am writing to bring to your readers' attention the 200 Club run by the hospice. It costs just £12 a year, your donation allocates to you an individual number which is entered into a monthly draw, which takes place on the last Monday of each month. The first prize is £25, a second prize of £15 and a third prize of £10. An annual draw of £100 is held in December.

Winners receive a cheque in the post and a list of monthly and annual prize winners is published on the website www.

great-oaks.org.uk. Membership is renewable after one year.

An application form is available on the website or if you ring the hospice on 01594 811910 they will send you one. So come on you generous Foresters, your help is always very much appreciated.

– A hospice volunteer.