A WIRRAL company boss has issued a challenge to the borough's business community to help raise a massive £100,000 for Wirral Hospice St John's.

Progress to Excellence, a training agency based in Birkenhead, is working with the hospice throughout the year to raise vital funds for its specialist care and support for adults affected by life-limiting illnesses.

The firm's managing director Sandra Kirkham is urging other business leaders across Wirral to join forces and make a huge united effort to reach this target figure.

Launching the Business Cares campaign, Sandra said: "Corporate community responsibility is my passion and should be high on the agenda of every business.

"By all pulling together in this campaign, I believe we can not only make a difference to the amazing hospice facility we have here in Wirral but also make everyone involved in our organisations aware of their need to support good causes.

"Giving something back to the community where they live and work can extend their personal development, broaden their horizons and give them experience of life outside work and their own leisure time.

"How often do we say we're too busy to involve ourselves in issues like this? But partnership working with charities like Wirral Hospice St John's is a great leveller and opens our eyes to situations and experiences that can be uplifting and life-changing."

Michelle Talgam, fundraising development manager at the hospice, said: "We greatly value the support that Wirral businesses give to the hospice and look forward to forging exciting new partnerships in the coming year."

To join the Business Cares campaign contact sandra.kirkham@progresstoexcellence.co.uk or call 0151-650 6933.