A CHANCE meeting on a cruise has led to Pendleside Hospice, Reedley, getting £537 nearer to its annual fundraising target.

Regular ocean going holidaymakers Audrey and Deryk Swales of Worsthorne met up with Fleetwood man Colin Slater and his mother Freda on their latest trip on the liner Aurora in May.

For the past three years Audrey and Deryk have been volunteers, helping out in the hospice in-patient unit. When that cropped up in conversation Colin offered to raise money by taking part in a cycle ride from Manchester to Blackpool.

A total of £537 was raised in sponsorship from friends in Burnley and Pendle and from Fleetwood Hospital, where Colin works as a chef.

Kaye Bartle, hospice fund-raising manager said: "We are grateful to Colin for raising money on our behalf and also Audrey and Deryk, who make sure the work of the hospice is recognised, even on the high seas."