The Lichfield Mercury is running a major new fundraising campaign to help local charity St Giles Hospice take its care services to a whole new level.

The hospice, which has been looking after people in our area for 27 years, is preparing to unveil a multi-million pound in-patient care centre to replace its existing facility in Whittington - but still needs to raise further funds to ensure its brand new Compassus Centre can operate to its full potential.

This is where Mercury readers can help. Through our 'Buy a Bed for St Giles' appeal, we aim to raise the £20,000 needed to pay for two additional single bedrooms to be fitted out and furnished at the state-of-the-art centre, setting it on the road towards completion.

The facility has so far cost a total of £8.5 million to build, including land and fitting out, and is set to open in May with 18 beds to replace those at the hospice's existing In-Patient Unit.

However, a further £2 million must be raised to open the additional nine beds, as well as to cover three years' running costs.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - while saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.