BUSINESSES have been getting involved in a campaign to help Fair Havens Hospice raise the last remaining cash to fund its new adult hospice.

Last month, Fair Havens Hospice announced it only had £350,000 left to raise for the new building – which will cost a total of £15.4m.

It is being built opposite Priory Park, Southend.

The charity launched a Power of a Pound campaign, backed by the Echo, and urged readers and residents in south Essex to donate just £1, which would see the target hit.

Businesses supporting the campaign include organic bistro Natural Bake in Hadleigh, where staff are asking their customers to donate £1 as part of their food bill including at their ‘Power of a Pound’ Sunday Lunch on September 29.

Aunt Sally’s Tea Room, in Southchurch Road, is hoping to raise money with cupcakes which it is selling in aid of the new hospice.

More than 1,000 people have already taken part in the ongoing campaign.

The build hit a major milestone near the end of August as the final roof tile was fixed in place, making the building completely watertight and taking them a step closer to moving in.

Janet Taylor Fane, Fair Havens in-patient care unit deputy ward sister, said: “I am just so pleased that finally our patients will have a building to meet their needs.

“I can’t express how grateful we are to the community for helping us get our new hospice.

“We are so close now and I know we’ve asked for a lot already, but I really hope they once again rally round us and give that £1.

“It really will make a huge difference to everyone we care for now and in the future.”

There are a number of ways members of the community can get involved with the £1 campaign.

To donate your £1 visit one of the charity shops, organise a fundraising event either at home, at school, with a sports team or club or with work colleagues.

For more information about how to help Fair Havens Hospice, go to www.havenshospices.org.uk/powerofapound.