A MAJOR appeal led by St Luke’s Hospice is set for its biggest cash boost to date.

A cheque for £3,500 is winging its way to the Cheshire hospice, thanks to a sponsored cycle marathon by Edward Chatwin.

The Nantwich father-of-three rode 120 miles round all the Chatwins shops and coffee lounges across Cheshire and Staffordshire to raise money for its President’s Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £500,000 to kit out a Centre of Excellence offering specialist training to people caring for the frail and elderly in the community.

Work on building the facility at Wheelock Heath Farm is underway after a Government grant secured construction costs.

Pies and pasties help fuel Mr Chatwin’s pedal-power as he was welcomed by employees across the 100 year-old firm’s chain of shops.

He said: “You can never under-estimate the wisdom of our elderly folk. Skills of my forefathers have been passed down from generation to generation making Chatwins what it is today.

“I really wanted to support this new appeal because, like many, I believe care of the elderly really needs to be addressed in this country.

“Customers and staff have shown tremendous support, sponsoring me and still giving to a collection we have ongoing in store.”

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the hospice, The President’s Appeal is gathering momentum after a launch in September Appeal co-ordinator Martha Hine said: “Several businesses have come forward to offer support but we have been absolutely staggered by the response from Chatwins with our biggest donation to date.

“Our thanks must go to Edward and all his wonderful staff and customers.”

Chatwins, which has 21 shops across Cheshire and Staffordshire, has recently expanded into Wales with new outlets in Wrexham, Rhos, Llangollen, Ruthin and Holywell.