THE Dean Forest Hospice project is progressing well, thanks to the continuous public support and tireless work of our many volunteers.

The shops in Coleford and Cinderford generate a great deal of money for the hospice, and these shops will play a major role in meeting the high running costs of the service.

We aim to open more shops in Lydney, Newent, Monmouth and Chepstow to enable the limited service, already running as a pilot scheme at the Dilke Hospital, to develop when we move into our own new building next year.

Every shop needs a team of 20 volunteers, each working half a day each week with a Saturday rota. We are looking for enthusiastic people who would like to give some time for the good of the community and not necessarily with retail experience.

The shop in Cinderford also needs a few more helpers as they find it difficult to cover holiday periods etc.

We hope this letter will encourage people to come forward with offers of help for this much needed project. Volunteers should either contact me or leave their names and telephone numbers at one of the shops.

Finally I must thank everyone for their generous support. The wonderful donations of time, skills and money have enabled the hospice dream to become reality, through our successful pilot, and help those who need care and support from our excellent palliative care team.

There is still, and always will be, much to be done to run the hospice service in the Forest of Dean. Together we will ensure that Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice grows from strength to strength to help local patients and their families – that is, the Forest caring for its own. – Sheila Evans (chairman), Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice. (Tel 01452 830272)