They have held dozens of sponsored challenges, made generous donations and organised fundraising meals to raise the cash. Our aim is to keep going until we have reached our target of £450,000. Recent events in aid of our appeal include the Summer Sundae Fringe Showcase gig, which took place at Firebug on Saturday and raised almost £800. Organiser Andy Black said: “We chose to support LOROS because it’s an amazing charity and we hope to raise awareness particularly with festival-goers under the age of 25 who may not otherwise be aware of the brilliant service they provide.”

An entertainment night and three-course meal at The Old Greyhound Inn, in Great Glen, raised almost £1,600 for the appeal. More than 60 people attended the event, which featured Elton John tribute act, Nigel John, as well as an auction and a raffle. Pat Hockenhull, who owns the pub, said: “It was a lovely night and people gave so generously – we even had someone who bid £105 for a signed Leicester Tigers shirt in the auction and then put it back so that it could raise even more money.

“LOROS is a wonderful charity which is very close to our hearts and we were really pleased to help the appeal.” Leicestershire football group Little Kickers has collected £490 for the appeal through donations over the past few months. Directors Bhavesh and Tina Sanghani are hoping to raise more funds at the Thurmaston May Day Fayre on Monday.

LOROS corporate fund-raiser Marisa Spiteri says she wants to thank Mercury readers again for their support. “It’s outstanding that the public is still rallying together to help LOROS and the appeal,” she said. “It’s amazing how the money adds  up – from the big events to all the little events and donations, everything makes a difference.”

Mercury reporter Gemma Peplow and sister Nicki will set off for their 120km trek in China on Saturday, May 8. They have so far raised more than £5,000 for the appeal, which aims to help support LOROS’s £2m extension, which opened in October. The next major event coming up for the appeal is the I Do it For LOROS 5km women’s fun run at the Leicester Tigers ground in June. Marisa said: “If you haven’t had the opportunity to support the appeal then you can take part in that.”