BOSSES at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) are urging supporters to help the Treehouse Appeal reach its target.

Mark Loades, development officer for EACH, said the drive to raise �3million to complete a new facility in Ipswich was nearing a vital landmark.

“We are getting ever closer to the �750,000 mark,” he said. “To get to the first million would be fantastic.”

The fundraising drive, which was launched in March, hit �695,744 this week.

With barbecues, cake sales, sky dives and sponsored line dances, the charity’s coffers are going from strength to strength.

“We have had fantastic support from everyone,” Mark said. “But we still need to keep the money coming in.”

Youngsters will set off on a charity toddle around Amberfield School in Nacton tomorrow to support the appeal.

Mum Caroline will tackle the challenge with her son, Donnell, to help complete the new hospice off Bixley Road, in Ipswich, to care for life-threatened children and their families across Suffolk and north Essex.

“This is a small way of us trying to say thank you for all the hospice has and is doing for us as a family,” she said.

Everyone from toddlers to children aged up to 10 can take part in fun, duck-themed activities around the short route.

Registration is �5 on the day and no fee is payable for adults accompanying children.

The Orwell Walk, organised by the Rotary Club of Ipswich East, will take place on the same day, as fundraisers follow various routes through picturesque countryside, starting and finishing at Amberfield School.

Registration will be �10 on the day and �5 for people under 18.

For more information about the walk, visit www.each.org.uk/treehouse or www.orwellwalk.org.uk or call Norman Haines on 01473 215333.