IN January 2002, following several years of financial struggle, we announced that the Wildlife Hospital was to close at the end of that year unless we could gain more financial support from our only source of income -- public donations.

To achieve this aim we subsequently launched the hospital's 500 CLUB, and hoped that we could recruit just 500 animal lovers from throughout the North-west who could each pledge just £1 per week to cover our running costs, and help maintain our services to the thousands of patients we deal with each year -- birds, foxes etc.

After 12 months of endeavour, and massive publicity, we still find ourselves short of the target with 420 sympathisers joining our supporters club, but, having come so near to our magical figure, we have extended the deadline in the hope of recruiting the remaining 80 members.

It is very frustrating to hear everyone saying that it would be a tragedy should we be forced to close, and that there would no longer be a refuge for injured wildlife, but we continually find that our cries for help are falling upon deaf ears.

Please do not leave it to others, please do not ignore our plight, but please write or phone 01204 690018 for membership details and more information. Just £1 per week from the remaining 80 membership vacancies will help to keep the hospital alive and fully operational.

Cathie Streamer (Secretary)

Wildlife Hospital NW

15, Vale Avenue

Horwich, Bolton