I READ with interest the appeal for furniture from Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

I really admire the work the hospice does but it may help if the delivery drivers weren’t quite so picky and the hospice started to realise that the trend for bicycling and shabby chic means that more and more people are on the lookout for old furniture.

I rang the hospice a while ago to arrange collection of a dressing table – yes it was quite old fashioned but very solid and in excellent condition.

The driver took one look and said they wouldn’t take it as it was too old fashioned.

If I’m honest I was appalled.

Too good to throw away, I set about upcycling it myself and after removing the mirror and repainting it have now transformed it into a sideboard that everyone admires.

I am actually glad now they didn’t take it but I imagine that it is not the only piece people have offered to donate that has been refused.

Maybe it’s time to rethink your policy Wigan and Leigh Hospice, people are always on the look out for pieces to revive – however old fashioned.

Kay Loynd

Hope Street, Leigh