EVERYTHING from art auctions and bake offs and golf days and rugby games are being staged in Wiltshire to support Julia's House children's hospices.

But if you want your Julia's House cash to stay in the county to pay for carers for Wiltshire families make sure you let the charity know you are backing the Gazette's 200 Appeal to raise £100,000.

We are working with Julia's House to raise the cash by the end of the year but we need your help to reach our target. The money will only end up in the appeal pot if you tick the box when you make an online donation or if you make it clear when you send cheques to the Julia's House fundraising department.

Every penny raised from our appeal will go towards paying for carers to help families in Wiltshire cope with looking after children with serious illness and disabilities.

This week one generous reader sent a £500 donation to our appeal and on Saturday (19) Chippenham Rugby Club is holding a family fun day from 1.45pm to support us.

There are also a number of other events planned to boost Julia's House which is planning to open a new children's hospice in Devizes in 2017.

They include a golf day at Marlborough Golf Club on May 20. Teams of four can enter for £240 which includes bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, course competitions, a two-course meal, plus a raffle and auction. Email liz.froud@juliashouse.org or call 01980 677105.

A silent auction of art work is to be held on July 23 from 10am-3pm in The Neeld Community and Arts Centre in Chippenham.

Artists Gill Minter, Sarah and Alan Padwick OBE, Yvonne and David Auld, Jeff Gibbons, Paul Simpkins and Dennis French have already pledged their help. Contact Karin Meek on 01249 655331.

Staff at all Lloyds Bank branches in Wiltshire held a bake off last week to support the hospice.

Banking hall manager Charlotte Eddy said: "It was great raising money for a really good cause and a nice treat having delicious cakes at the bank. Lots of customers commented on the great work Julia's House carries out and also seemed to enjoy the cakes on offer."

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