TV STARS are joining forces to help raise the final £3million needed to complete the new state-of-the-art hospice under construction by Bray Lake.

It all kicked off on Saturday when Windsor's town crier Chris Brown joined Only Fools and Horses star Sue Holderness, the Royal Borough's mayor Cllr Sayonara Luxton and hospice ambassador Kate Atkinson to launch the campaign at the charity's award winning shop in Peascod Street. Shoppers were able to tuck into home made cakes and refreshments throughout the day and enjoy music from singer Anna Nightingale.

Sue Holderness is best known as Marlene in the legendary sit com Only Fools and Horses. She is also a long term Windsor resident whose children went to school in the town and a veteran supporter of the Thames Hospice in Hatch Lane, which will soon be moving into the new premises at Bray Lake.

Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice chief executive, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of our community for the launch of our Raise the Roof appeal. Thank you to everyone who came along to our shops to celebrate with us and donate. Special thank you to Sue Holderness for showing her support to our Raise the Roof appeal in Windsor, and to all the local dignitaries who helped us spread the word.”

Raise the Roof celebrations will continue throughout this week. Tomorrow (Saturday), BAFTA award-winning documentary maker, actor and author Ross Kemp will be at Maidenhead from 11am, while famous 'goodie' Tim Brooke-Taylor will be at Wokingham shop from 11.30am.

To find out how you can support Thames Hospice Raise the Roof appeal, visit www.raisetheroof2020.org.uk

Text RAISE to 70970 to give £5 for a roof rafter. Text RAISE to 70191 to give £10 for ten bricks.

The hospice provides expert care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. A vital part of its work is also supporting their families and carers.

It costs £8 million every year to keep the hospice running. It relies on the community for over 50 per cent of its running costs.