A charity has joined forces with a radio station in its bid to raise £6 million to build a hospice.

Staff at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough have secured a year-long partnership with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

Thorpe Hall Hospice occupies a 17th century mansion house which is no longer fit for purpose, so a purpose-built hospice is urgently needed.

The partnership was launched with a three hour live BBC radio broadcast from the hospice with staff, volunteers and families of patients all sharing their stories with presenter Paul Stainton.

Events planned include a summer event at Thorpe Hall, sponsored walk and Christmas concert.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire has pledged to support the appeal with air time, by having presenters take on personal challenges to raise money and encouraging listeners to get involved.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s managing editor David Harvey said: “BBC Radio Cambridgeshire is delighted and excited to be involved in a project that has the potential to improve the care experience for so many people across the whole county.

“The Sue Ryder team’s enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration suggests that while raising the roof for a large sum of money

will be a challenge - it will be a challenge that will be entertaining and great fun.

“That’s why we wanted to reflect that fundraising across our programmes.”

Thorpe Hall’s regional fundraising manager Tammy Pearce said: “We’ve had fantastic support from the local community since we launched our appeal last March but we in no way underestimate the value of having BBC Radio Cambridgeshire supporting us as we head into the second year.

“Already the staff have been incredibly supportive of our appeal and we believe the partnership will open up exactly the kind of opportunities we need to take us towards the £6 million appeal target.”

To find out more about the partnership visit www.bbc.co.uk/radiocambridgeshire

For information about Thorpe Hall and the £6 million appeal visit www.thorpehall.org.