IT IS all systems go for the expansion of Bexley's hospice after a massive injection of Lottery cash.

The £500,000 grant from the Community Fund means the work for the hospice extension can go out to tender straight away.

Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice launched its Forget-Me-Not Appeal in October 1999 to try to raise £1m, after a feasibility study revealed the hospice was not big enough to meet the needs of the two boroughs.

The Lottery cash will help pay for seven new in-patient beds and enlarge and improve the day hospice. Thousands of pounds have also been raised by the public through public donations.

Hospice appeals director Jim Bennett said: “When I opened the letter I couldn't believe my eyes. The words 'I am pleased to advise' were the first I read, and then I realised it was true we had been successful.

He added: “Thank you to all who have made this possible. Don't stop now.”

Don Sturrock, co-founder of the hospice, said: “When Pat Jeavons and I co-founded the hospice, back in 1985, we had a vision to provide a facility which would be available to terminally-ill residents of the community. I am delighted we can now develop this further and be able to meet those ever-increasing needs.”