TODAY is International Nurses Day and staff at Bolton Hospice are joining in the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the special event.

The occasion has been honoured by nurses since 1965 on May 12 — the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is hailed as the founder of modern nursing.

Bolton Hospice's team of doctors, nurses and other professional staff provide specialist care and support for local people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses and their families, in the hospice and at home.

Clinical support nurse Kathryn Butterworth, aged 31, from Farnworth, has worked at Bolton Hospice for six years. She said: "Nursing is in my blood. What gets me up in the morning is knowing that there are people who need my care and support and that I can make a difference to them.

"I wanted to be a nurse because of my nan. She loved nursing and caring for others and I used to go around with her when she did home care. I loved meeting the patients and seeing the care that my nan gave them."

The hospice is a charity separate from the NHS mainly funded by local people, and all of their services are free. It provides personalised, patient-centred care throughout a patient's illness so they achieve the best possible quality of life.

Joyce Young, service lead for Bolton Hospice Support Services, said "It's a common misconception that hospices only provide care in the inpatient unit - but Bolton Hospice cares across the community through day therapy, consultant-led outpatient clinics, Hospice at Home, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, spiritual support, creative therapy, complementary therapy, hair and image service, carers support and bereavement support."

It costs about £3.8 million to run the hospice each year, of which less than £1 million comes from the government. For those who would like to support the hospice and its nurses, text HOSP12 followed by £3, £5 or £10 to 70070. Alternatively call 01204 663 055 to make a donation over the phone.