THE year-long Marie Curie Nurses Appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 in Bolton, has reached its halfway point.

The 12 month campaign, which is being backed by The Bolton News, is now six months in after being launched at the end of June.

And the appeal, which aims to provide more free nursing care for terminally ill people in their homes, is well on the way to hitting its ambitious target.

By the end of November the appeal had raised £61,000 and fundraisers have enjoyed a busy festive period which is likely to have boosted the total, although the amount raised in December won’t be known for several days.

And Marie Curie Cancer Care is pleased with the response from a generous Bolton public so far.

Hannah Taylor, community fundraiser, who lives in Westhoughton, said: “When Marie Curie first asked me to work on a nursing appeal in Bolton I was delighted as Bolton is my home town and I knew my fellow Boltonians would rise to the challenge of raising £200,000.

“Over the last six months I’ve had the chance to meet and speak with so many wonderful people who want to do their bit to support the appeal, and also so many grateful people who have benefited from the care and support of our nurses.”

She added: “We are delighted with the support we have had from The Bolton News, which has certainly helped to make people aware of what we are trying to achieve and helped us to raise so much money so far.”

Events during the first half of the appeal include tea parties, dance events, a sponsored moustache shave and collections.

Now the charity is looking to 2010 and is hoping even more people will get behind the campaign.

Miss Taylor said: “We’ve still got a long way to go to raise the money needed so as you’re thinking of your new year’s resolutions I would urge you to think of something to support our appeal. Whether it be to get fit and train for an event such as the Great Manchester Run, quit smoking and donate the money you save or donate some time in 2010 and volunteer.

“We need your support to ensure more people who are terminally ill have specialised care and support to help them remain at home, where they want to be.”

To find out more visit thboltonnews.co.uk/ mariecurie or contact 0161 255 2809