THE Marie Curie Nurses Appeal has raised nearly £140,000 since June last year.

And a big push is now on to reach the campaign’s £200,000 target by the end of June.

The latest total, up to the end of April, stands at £138,000, thanks to people in Bolton stepping up to the challenge of raising funds for the charity.

Now, fundraisers need to make around £1,400 a day for the remainder of the campaign to hit the target.

The Bolton News is backing Marie Curie Cancer Care with the appeal, which will fund more free home nursing care for local terminally ill people. Glynne Lever, of Westhoughton, raised more than £9,000 by doing his first marathon last month.

The 36-year-old said: “It’s a fantastic amount and it’s getting close now.

“Anybody that can do anything will get such satisfaction and helping a local cause is brilliant.

“Please help Marie Curie get to £200,000.”

Jemma Halman, area fundraising manager with the charity, said: “We felt sure the people of Bolton would rise to the challenge and we’ve been bowled over by their generosity. I want to say a thank you to every single person who has helped raise this money — you are directly helping local people to stay at home with their family at the end of their lives and this is a very precious gift to give.

“We do still need a final push, though, and I’d like to ask everybody out there to think what they can do to help us reach this vital target, however big or small.

“Please be a part of this special appeal and help us get more Marie Curie nurses for people who really need them.”

There is still time to get involved — by making a donation, hosting a Blooming Great Tea Party or taking up one of the charity’s challenges.

Or why not go along to Bolton Little Theatre’s charity night for the appeal, on Thursday, June 10, from 6.30pm?

There will be a buffet followed by a gala performance of Bill Naughton’s All in Good Time.

Tickets, priced £15 including supper, are available from 01204 840289.

To find out more or get involved in the campaign, call 0161 255 2809 or visit theboltonnews.

co.uk/marie curie.