FLORESCENT orange will shimmer under the sunshine and embellish the county's streets as fundraisers unite to support terminally ill youngsters.

East Oxford hospice Helen & Douglas House is hoping to turn Oxfordshire into a beacon of light as it calls on residents to 'Go Orange' this week.

Supporters from across the county are set to don their favourite gladrags, dye their locks, indulge in sweet treats and tuck into their lunches – all plastered with a splash of orange.

Head of community and events at the hospice Laura Kemp said it would be a 'dream' to see businesses and homes Go Orange to help the hospice raise £10,000 during the inaugural festivities.

The 27-year-old added: "We really do need [the community's] help and support to continue caring for the terminally ill children and young adults and taking care of their families as well.

"Go Orange is something that is important to us. People presume that a hospice is somewhere that is depressing, gloomy and quiet, and actually it's not. It's a place where you help make memories.

"Orange emphasises how bright and happy an amazing place like Helen & Douglas House is and we really want to emulate that feeling that happens in the hospice out in the community, rather than it [hospice care] be an upsetting subject."

The Magdalen Road hospice needs £5.1m each year to care for more than 300 young people and provide support to more than 60 families caring for a child expected to die prematurely.

But at least £4m of cash comes from the generous donations of fundraisers, with this week's £10,000 target needed to support one family within the hospice.

Mrs Kemp said the team provide those in need with medical, emotional and practical support to ensure they can make the most of their time together with loved ones.

The Didcot resident added: "It means that during a really terrible time at the end of their life, they are supported in both pain management and memory-making. Our aim is to make a life a good life and a death dignified."

More than 50 Oxfordshire businesses have pledged to colour their shops orange for the three-day fundraiser, set to begin tomorrow, decorating stores with balloons, posters and themed windows.

Fundraisers of all ages are being called on to devise entertaining and flamboyant fundraising ideas, including baking orange cakes, dress-down days at work and orange-themed dinners.

Mrs Kemp, who has been with the hospice team for more than a year, added: "Meeting the children and young adults who come here, you cannot find a more inspirational charity to help out. You really get to see the difference [donations] can make."

See hdh.org.uk, email fundraising@helenanddouglas.org,uk or call 01865 799150 for other ways to get involved.