A CHARITY which cares for people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month.

St David's Foundation, which provides free hospice-at-home and other services for patients and families in Gwent, was founded in 1979.

As the charity comes to the end of its third decade of providing renowned, specialist care, its chief executive has taken a look at the changing face of fundraising.

Emma Saysell pointed out they were a myriad of factors that affected efforts to raise money, not just the recession.

"We've also seen a huge change in the way we communicate with each other and this is ultimately what we rely on to engage with our supporters."

Mrs Saysell said they were now able to use the internet and social networking sites to get their message across.

However, they also still relied on traditional activities which offered a huge range of opportunities for people to get involved and help raise vital funds.

Mrs Saysell said they were now looking forward to some other annual events later in the year such as the Snowdon Challenge.

She added they were getting ever more experimental with the ways in which we raise money to keep up with the growing demand of hospice care at home, including the latest fun invention, Come Dine With Me.

"On a more serious note, funds need to be raised more than ever to meet the current demands."

St David's provides care at home to more than 2,500 people, which costs more than £5 million each year, so the organisation relied heavily on support from 600 volunteers and fundraisers.

To find out more about Come Dine With Me or other fundraising opportunities visit www.stdavidsfoundation.co.uk; email fundraising@stdavidsfoundation.co.uk or call 01633 271364.