WHEELCHAIRS at Sobell House, bought following a £5,400 donation from the parent company of the Oxford Mail, are continuing to make a big difference at the Headington hospice.

Patients have benefited from the Enigma Spirit wheelchairs, according to day service and allied health professional team leader Neale Conner.

She said: "The old wheelchairs were in a sorry state and people really like the new ones because they are lightweight and stylish."

At the same time the newspaper is supporting staff and patients with a £40,000 fundraising campaign to pay for 100 days of care.

The money will go towards Sobell's £9m fundraising drive for a purpose-built extension for dementia patients.

Diane Gardner, chief executive of Sobell House Hospice Charity, said earlier the extension would be designed to suit the needs of dementia patients and would be easier for them to navigate.

Staff at the hospice in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital have urged charitable organisations to apply for a grant from the Gannett Foundation, as its patients benefited from the donation two years ago.

Good causes are now being invited to apply for a slice of funding worth up to £10,000 each from Gannett Media.

The grant scheme, part of the firm's charitable arm The Gannett Foundation, runs annually to support the community and has helped secure the future for many smaller charities since the late 1990s.

The foundation paid for 10 lightweight wheelchairs for patients at Sobell House and 20 pressure cushions.

Ms Conner added: "Patients young and old really appreciate the new wheelchairs and they are in constant use.

"People use them when they come to our day centre, when they are on the ward, to get around the building and around the garden, or to go for a coffee in the main building.

"We can also lend the wheelchairs out if people are going to christenings and weddings.

"The old wheelchairs were really heavy and difficult to push and the new ones are so much more easy to manage – it's a massive upgrade.

"The wheelchairs are lasting well and have made life so much easier for patients and carers.

"I would urge other organisations to apply for a Gannett grant."

Oxford Mail managing editor Sara Taylor said: "It is becoming increasingly hard for charities and community projects to secure extra funding and I would hope many take advantage of this opportunity.

"I am also glad to see that the trustees have expanded its criteria to welcome more organisations, such as scouting or guiding groups, to apply."

To apply you must represent a registered charity or must not have received a grant from the foundation within the past two years.

Applications will only be accepted electronically on the approved application form with full answers and necessary materials given.

The closing date for applications is Friday, October 14, and forms can be found at oxfordmail.co.uk/gannettfoundation

To donate money to the Oxford Mail campaign to pay for 100 days of care at Sobell House visit campaign.justgiving.com/charity/shhc/oxmailsobellappeal