Fund-raising events are being planned to help a beleaguered hospice shore up a large hole in its finances.

Up to 18 full-time posts at St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing could be lost as managers struggle to balance the books.

The charity in Columbia Drive, West Durrington, needs to raise more than £5 million from the community each year and finding funds in recent months has been particularly hard.

But those running the hospice, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, are remaining positive and hope several events will raise serious cash.

Tomorrow, there is a "going to the dogs" race night at Hove Greyhound Stadium and the hospice's annual fun run is on May 11.

The race from Splash Point to the George V roundabout and back again normally normally attracts a lot of entries and raises thousands of pounds.

The hospice is also organising a summer garden party in June and a Dragon Boat Race in Brighton Marina on June 29.

However, the hospice's 30th anniversary dinner dance at Lancing College, due to go ahead on April 4, has been postponed.

Chief executive Hugh Lowson said: "It is very sad because a lot of people have been looking forward to the dance but we felt it was inappropriate at this time.

"But it will definitely still go ahead, probably in September and October."

St Barnabas has cared for more than 10,000 cancer and other terminally ill patients since opening in 1973.

Only about seven per cent of its annual running costs are state-funded and the rest is raised by fund-raising, legacies and donations.

Since The Argus first profiled the plight of the hospice in January, support from the community has flooded in.

Mr Lowson said: "People have been coming in with cash and it all makes a difference.

"We are still here after 30 years. We have had problems with balancing our income and expenditure but we seem to be coming out the other side and we are looking forward to the future."

For more information on the fund-raising events, call the hospice on 01903 265824.