MANORLANDS has launched a drive to recruit volunteers as demand for the hospice's services continues to soar.

The Oxenhope Sue Ryder centre, which provides specialist care to patients with life-limiting conditions, is seeking help with a wide range of roles.

Fundraisers at the hospice, which costs over £7,000 a day to run, says support is needed with everything from running stalls and packing bags to giving talks and collecting.

"We have many activities planned this year to help raise funds for the hospice," said head of fundraising, Jodie Shepherd.

"Also, we need to be more proactive to spread the word in local communities about the range of services the hospice provides.

"The more people who understand the services and how we are funded, the easier it is for us to engage with them.

"But we can't do all of this without the support of our volunteers.

"There are many different ways people can help and volunteers can do as little or as much as they like to fit in with their lifestyles."

She added that individuals, couples and small groups of friends were all welcome to get involved.

Existing volunteers include Christine Rushworth, who has helped out at the hospice for over five years.

She assists in the fundraising administration office.

"I decided to do voluntary work after being made redundant," she said.

"I didn't want to look straightaway for another permanent job but wanted to do something to keep busy.

"There were some volunteering opportunities at Manorlands and it seemed perfect!

"I really love my job at the hospice. I enjoy working on the computer and at the same time this helps me to keep my skills up to date.

"I've met so many people and made many new friends.

"Volunteering is very rewarding and worthwhile and I would encourage anyone to do it."

Recently she and hospice colleagues and other volunteers have also set-up a fundraising group, which has held events including coffee mornings.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Manorlands should e-mail manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640430.

The hospice is also on the lookout for volunteers to help with a new befriending scheme.

It is particularly seeking people to take part in a national research study being carried out by Sue Ryder, which will measure the impact of befriending on reducing loneliness and social isolation for people at the end of their lives.

Informal information and training days will be held at Manorlands on May 1 and 8, from 9.30am to 3pm.

Contact Andy Longden on 01535 642308 ext 251 for further information.