IT'S starting to take shape! Work on the new Marie Curie hospice at Stobhill Hospital has finally begun. The ground has been cleared, the foundations laid and a huge steel skeleton grows bigger every day.

IT'S starting to take shape! Work on the new Marie Curie hospice at Stobhill Hospital has finally begun. The ground has been cleared, the foundations laid and a huge steel skeleton grows bigger every day.

Staff nurse Marcia Pettigrew is delighted at the progress. She said: "It's nice to see the structure; the building is starting to take shape.

Here's how you can get involved

THERE are plenty of ways to raise money for the Big Build.

On November 12, the appeal is staging Big Wednesday, a monumental day of fundraising.

Organisations, groups and individuals are being encouraged to hold special charity events.

There are endless things you can do for Big Wednesday, including holding a car boot sale, hosting a barbecue, installing a swear box at work or taking part in a sponsored silence. It doesn't matter what you do, as Big Wednesday is all about helping to raise money.

Companies can help the Big Build by signing up for the Brain Game, the glittering networking quiz night at Kelvingrove on November 6. Last year's event raised more than £40,000.

For more information on how to help call 0141 531 1383 or visit www.bigbuild.org.uk

"It's quite exciting to see it in action, and having seen the plans it's good to get a picture of how it will really look."

It's all thanks to the tireless work of fundraisers who have dug deep for the Big Build, the Evening Times-backed appeal to help build the new hospice.

It's that tireless effort which means the stunning total for money raised now stands at a whopping £11million. The new hospice will replace the fading, out-dated Huntershill building in Springburn, and the appeal aims to raise a total of £16m.

The first part of the new hospice will form the frame for what will eventually be the outpatient department. It will house a range of vital services, including clinic rooms and therapy rooms where outpatients can enjoy therapeutic massages and complementary therapies.

Michael Mears, Marie Curie's building officer, added: "The Big Build is taking shape with the steel structure growing every day. But our funds must grow faster than the steelwork."

Michael himself is doing his part to raise funds by taking part in a save or shave'. Michael, who grew a grizzly beard for the Big Build has been selling tickets for votes as to whether he should keep or ditch the facial hair. The winning prize draw entry can then design Michael's beard in any way they see fit. And he promises to keep it that way for at least 24 hours. Michael said: "I came up with the idea as an opportunity to raise funds in a small way."

The new hospice is vital if the high level of care to terminally ill patients is to continue. The current building desperately needs replaced with a modern facility. Unlike the existing hospice, the new building will be among the most modern hospices in Europe and provide patients with single rooms with en-suite shower rooms and piped oxygen.

But the dream of a new hospice is still a long way off and a further £5m in vital funds is still desperately needed.

Those who have already dug deep for the Big Build and raised money include the First Waterside Brownies, from Kirkintilloch. The generous youngsters gave up their time to hold a complementary therapy session and raised £140.

Jennie McKie, 20, from Bishopbriggs has helped raise more than £5000 for Marie Curie. Jennie was part of a team to take part in the Bike the Baltic challenge, a gruelling cycle ride across eastern Europe.

Jennie returned from her trip last week after her pedal power took her from Latvia to Russia, via Estonia. Jennie said: "The trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and not only did I go home in the knowledge that I have helped countless people, I met some amazing people with amazing stories about how Marie Curie has affected them.

"The trip was very hard and I actually got knocked off my bike on the last day. My finger was dislocated but the thought of failing my challenge kept me going and I got back on my bike and rode the last 20km to St Petersburg."

Stephen Docherty was another Bike the Baltic participant who, together with pals Paul Murray, Charlie Johnston, David McConnell and Rory Cuthbertson, helped raise £16,000 for Marie Curie.

Stephen said: "My mum had been in Huntershill way back in January 1985. She was very keen to stay at home for her last weeks but despite the fact there was a lot of us to help, it proved impossible and she spent her final week at the Marie Curie. Everyone there was great."

  • If you would like to make a donation to the appeal:

Send a cheque, with your name and address to:The Big Build Evening Times, Marie Curie Cancer Care, FREEPOST, Admail ADM4018, Glasgow, G1 2ZY.

Make cheques payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Call us on 0141 531 1383, donate online at www.bigbuild.org.uk or call in to your local Marie Curie Cancer Care shop.