PEOPLE are being urged to dig deep this Christmas to boost a campaign to create a 24-hour care unit for the terminally ill.

The £250,000 St Teresa's Hospice Giving to Life appeal got off to a great start when it was launched earlier this year with the support of The Northern Echo.

But fundraisers said yesterday there was still a long way to go, after revealing that the total amount raised so far was £59,900.

"We are relatively pleased with how it's going but we are still urging people to help," said corporate fundraising manager Craig Linton.

"It's an ongoing appeal and it can always do better. As it comes up to Christmas we are looking to people to support us now and into the new year."

The Darlington hospice needs to raise £250,000 to open a six-bed, 24-hour care unit in Woodland Road and the same amount each year to run it.

The unit, which will open in Easter, will offer palliative care for terminally-ill people who do not need hospital treatment.

Hospice nurse manager Elaine Isham said the service was desperately needed.

"At the moment we don't have a community hospital and there's no beds for respite care. But carers often get very tired and need a break," she said.

The unit would also give terminally ill people an alternative to dying in hospital or at home.

"Particularly for young patients with very young children, they may be concerned about the effects on the children if they die at home. We offer an alternative to an acute hospital ward," said Ms Isham

Recent donors to the appeal include Clark Willis Solicitors (£1,000), Brown Smith Baker architects (£1,200) and the Abbey National Bank in Teesdale, which raised £1,200 with a dress-down day.

Anyone wanting to fundraise or make a donation should call (01325) 254319.