DOZENS of prizes are being offered by two Long Preston women in a raffle to raise money for the Manorlands crisis appeal.

Two women organising the 'Raffle of Promises' for the hospice raised £2,000 within a fortnight of launching the raffle on social media.

Prizes include a specially-painted oil painting, home decorating, taxi services, wine and gin, a children's party, Christmas cake, driving lessons, a hand-crafted sign, a spa voucher and restaurant meals.

Helen Monks and Catherine Stroh drew on a wide network of friends and contacts to gather prizes from businesses and individuals around their homes in Long Preston.

Catherine said that as a result of being brought up in Oxenhope, near Manorlands, she had known many people who had benefited from the hospice's care.

She said: "Helen was affected very directly, when her father was taken from the family last year and spent time being supported by the amazing people from Sue Ryder.

"Hearing that Manorlands was threatened with closure touched both and we immediately began an urgent fundraising campaign.

"Despite everyone being so badly affected by the lockdown, they have been so very generous, with gifts from many businesses that are currently closed but which still wanted to support such a great cause.

"Manorlands has been part of Oxenhope for as long as anyone can remember and they’ve cared for so many friends over the years that we can’t see them close.

"What people have offered as prizes is simply overwhelming and Helen and I are doing everything we can to raise money to help Manorlands continue their great work, which is needed now just as much as ever.”

The star prizes are the offer of an original oil painting from local artist David Walshaw, of an original oil painting, and a page of artwork and a copy of Rachel's latest book Wolf.

Helen and Catherine hope to raise around £2,500 by the time the raffle closes after lockdown.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cathy_and_helen_manorlands-raffle by raffle tickets.