Fund raising events are multiplying as the countdown continues to the opening this summer of the Royal Borough's new hospice.

The 'raise the roof' appeal aims to make the £3million needed to complete the new hospice building at Bray Lake, Maidenhead due to open in July, ready to care for more people with life limiting illnesses.

The Royal Borough's mayor Sayonara Luxton has made it her charity of the year and is hosting a black tie ball at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, May 2.

EastEnders star Ross Kemp and his wife will be special guests - he is an active supporter of the hospice.

Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice chief executive, said: “Councillor Sayonara Luxton announced Thames Hospice as her chosen charity last year and since then has dedicated a huge amount of her time supporting us and getting involved in so many initiatives to raise vital funds.

“Tickets are selling fast and I would encourage all our supporters to book now to avoid disappointment. It really is going to be a sensational fundraising event in a glorious setting and we hope to raise lots of money so we can continue to provide the highest quality of care and support to even more families.”

Tickets are available from the mayor’s secretary by emailing mayors.parlour@rbwm.gov.uk or calling 01628 796223.

Before that the 100 plus choir the New Egham Singers will be performing a spring concert at the Rose Theatre, St Mary’s School in Ascot on April 4 in aid of the hospice fund.

The choir’s Musical Director Dr Guy Bunce said: “Raising money for local causes is a fundamental part of the New Egham Singers and something we all enjoy. We’re all having fun learning new music and are keen to perform to as large an audience as possible, in order to raise as much as we can for Thames Hospice”.

The programme will include a wide range of musical styles including pop, folk, show tunes, and classical. Tickets cost £10 (£5 for children 15 and under). To reserve tickets contact nesboxoffice@gmail.com or phone the box office on 07923 971588.