HOSPICE bosses say every penny counts as they appeal to local can collection sites to sift through their silver.

Ardgowan Hospice has gone for a year without its regular calendar of events and has been relying on the generosity of local people to continue offering medical, physical and emotional support to patients with life-limiting illnesses.

With local businesses shut since December, staff and volunteers have also been unable to retrieve funds from the many collection tins situated across Inverclyde.

The Tele revealed last October that the coronavirus crisis had cost Ardgowan over £20k in lost can collections, and the fundraising team are hoping to prevent a similar loss in 2021.

Staff are asking local businesses who host a can to empty it and drop off the coins.

Joanna Hunter, fundraising officer, said: "This past year has been the most challenging in Ardgowan Hospice's history.

"As well as continuing to care for patients both within the in-patient unit and out in the community, we've also had the large expense of our new boiler which the community got behind and very kindly supported.

"Our large events that we rely on annually - such as our ball in March and ladies day in June - were cancelled, and we don't know when in the future we'll return to our events calendar.

"We are asking businesses in the area if they have one of our cans on their premises if they could empty it and drop off the coins inside.

"We know there might not be much, as opportunities to donate have maybe not presented themselves this year, but every penny helps."

Joanna also has appealed to any firms who would like to become a can site following lockdown to get in touch.

She added: "We are always happy to welcome new supporters and thank our current can hosts immensely for their ongoing support.

"If you would like to become a can site, let us know.

"The support of the public has been more important than ever this year."