Date 3 January 2007

Local businesses, shops and schools from all areas of South West Hertfordshire are being invited to take part in the annual Dress Down Day for The Peace Hospice on Friday 26 January 2007

Local companies such as M&S, Arriva, Wilkinson, KPMG and SA Law as well as shops and schools will be getting into the spirit to help make a special day of it.

Maggie Grand, corporate development manager said “January can be such a dull month, so when several local businesses came up with this great way to support the hospice we were delighted. We are really grateful to S.A Law and Kall Kwik , Watford who have sponsored the event since the start and we hope that this will be the best year to date. It is an easy event to take part in - simply swap your suits for jeans, dress up or dress down, have a theme such as bad taste, 60's, a colour, Wild West, St Trinians, favourite football team or wear a wig or a hat for the day! The choice is yours dress up - dress down - choose a theme or show your solidarity by taking part and wearing a badge in support!! Last year we had so many imaginative participants such as BHS staff dressing up as characters from the film Grease, people wearing glamorous evening wear and Arriva bus drivers going through town dressed as doctors and leprechauns. So please call me if you would like to take part.”

The hospice is asking each participating business, shop or school to pay a registration fee and then participants donate £1 on the day for taking part. The hospice will supply a fundraising pack with display material. Last year over 30 businesses and schools took part.

Julie Gingell, head of marketing at S A Law said “We have supported this event for a number of years as we feel it is so worthwhile. The Peace Hospice is an important part of the local community caring for terminally ill people and their families. Many people are touched by cancer and other terminal illnesses and this is wonderful way to have some fun and help a fantastic cause. We would really like to encourage other businesses to take part and support this event. “

For more details of how to register, contact Maggie Grand, Corporate Development Manager at the Peace Hospice on 01923 335348 or http://mce_host/news/press-releases/mgrand@peacehospice.org.uk