Fundraisers are looking to the New Year in a bright frame of mind at one of Essex's best-known charities.

In October the Evening Gazette reported that St Helena Hospice was facing difficulties after a sharp drop in income it had been bequeathed by people in their wills during 2002.

It received about £500,000 less than in the previous 12 months and the dip led to fears that it may be forced to make savings.

But fundraising manager Graham Reardon said staff were looking at 2003 in a positive light and hoped to encourage more people to think of the hospice when they made their wills.

But Mr Reardon said new sources of funds would still have to be found.

"It remains to be seen if legacy income will increase," he said. "All I know is doing nothing is not an option."

A will-making service was tested in Halstead at the start of December, when people were given legal advice in return for making a bequest to St Helena, and it will now look to build on that success.

The Light Up a Life campaign was also successful, with £30,000 being raised by people sponsoring Christmas tree lights for loved ones.

Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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