HOSPICE chiefs were celebrating today after The Bolton News' Garden of Tranquillity appeal hit its £100,000 target.

Hundreds of personal donations, charity events and cash from companies have contributed to the hugely successful campaign, which will see the gardens at Bolton Hospice transformed into idyllic open space.

Delighted bosses are poised to call in a special firm of landscape gardeners to create a beautiful oasis for patients and their families.

And they have said a huge thankyou to the people of Bolton who have made the dream a reality.

Chairman of the hospice, Graham Yardley, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. It's staggering when you look back on the appeal. I never thought we would collect such a huge amount in such a short space of time.

"There have been some really innovative ideas to raise money, both from companies and members of the public and the response has been amazing. We're delighted it's all happened so quickly."

The Garden of Tranquillity appeal was launched last August. We hit our target this week thanks to a huge £8,500 donation from Royal Mail.

Almost £5,000 of that came from a fundraising campaign to collect cash for Royal Mail employee Darren Peel, who lost his arm in an horrific accident when he was just five.

Colleagues raised £10,000 to buy him a hi-tech artificial limb, but at the last minute the NHS stepped in and said they would pay for it.

With £10,000 to give away, they decided to divide the cash equally between Bolton Hospice and Derian House children's hospice in Chorley.

A further £3,500 has been collected by staff at Royal Mail who have held a series of fundraising events since the Garden of Tranquillity appeal was launched eight months ago.

Currently the grounds at Bolton Hospice, which have not been renovated since the facility opened almost 15 years ago, are covered in grass, meaning people in wheelchairs and those using zimmer frames cannot access them.

Borders are sparsely planted and patio areas are filled with cracked, broken and uneven paving stones.

Under the new plans there will be pathways, providing disabled access, and private seating areas where patients can spend quality time with their loved ones.

There will also be a sensory garden bursting with scent and colour and a water feature.

Margaret Evans, chief executive of Bolton Hospice, said: "We were absolutely overwhelmed by the response of our local Bolton community. This has truly been a team effort by so many groups and individuals within the area, bringing out a generosity of spirit which seems to know no bounds.

"The newly transformed gardens, once completed, will make an enormous difference to our patients and families who will be able to enjoy a private and quiet sanctuary within the grounds of the hospice."

She added: "Our new garden will represent the dedication and generosity of so many old and loyal supporters, together with a large number of new and very welcome friends of the hospice. Thankyou to all concerned for their hard work and determination in making this appeal a resounding success."

Headshaves, flower shows, a glittering ball and bad tie days all helped contribute to the appeal fund.

More than £8,000 was raised at a glittering Red and White Ball which was organised by The Bolton News and sponsored by husband and wife team Paul and Stephanie Herod.