Hans Blick is one of dozens of Leicester Mercury readers who have got in touch to share their experiences of Loros following the launch of our fundraising campaign in November.

As we announced on Christmas Eve, donations from kind-hearted readers have helped us smash our target of £100,000.

It is thanks to people like Hans that readers across Leicestershire and Rutland have been motivated to give so generously.

Ann Rayson, his partner of 15 years, spent a month at the hospice before she died there in July, after fighting liver cancer for nine months. She was 53.

Paying tribute, Hans, of Blaby, said: "Ann knew she was dying but she never said anything to me about it.

"She didn't want to upset me.

"She was so brave – an inspiration to everyone.

"She was a fighter – she didn't give up to the last minute.

"I've got to be strong and carry on now like she'd want me to."

Hans contacted the Mercury to share his and Ann's story to help us carry on with our fundraising appeal in the new year.

The long-term aim is to bring in a further £350,000 towards the costs of an extension at the hospice.

Hans said: "Ann was in Loros for a month and I stayed there for three weeks with her.

"They were so brilliant, they took care of the patients and families and she was very happy there.

"The nurses were wonderful and would always give her a hug when she needed it.

"I can remember one morning I got up and asked the nurses if she'd had a comfortable night. They said she had but that she'd woken up at 4am and asked for a brandy – so they got her one.

"They made her feel special and comfortable, as if she was at home.

"She was free of pain there and she died peacefully, in her sleep."

Hans, 63, took part in a sponsored walk for Loros with relatives in September, raising £2,000 altogether.

"What they did for Ann was brilliant and I would like to do more to help them," said Hans

"I hope to do something next year.

"I just want to say a big thank-you to everyone at Loros, just everyone there."