HOSPICE care charity Children's Hospice South West has expressed its gratitude to Trowbridge firm Airsprung Beds, after receiving a toy donation worth nearly £500.

When Kevin Hatter, a divan builder at the company, became aware of the charity’s work and the fact that it is nearly entirely dependent on donations, he decided to do something to help.

Mr Hatter mentioned it to colleagues at Airsprung Beds in Trowbridge and suggested a collection. The donations snowballed and before long, nearly £500 had been raised.

The team contacted Charlton Farm, the children's hospice based in Wraxall, North Somerset, and suggested they provide a shopping list, which they were only too happy to do.

Tamara Downes, Community Fundraiser at Children's Hospice South West, said: “We are very grateful to Kevin and the team at Airsprung.

“Every amount, small or large is always welcome and everything raised goes to making a difference to life-limited children and their families.”

During one of the charity's monthly open days, Airsprung handed over bags of toys, bedding and crockery to grateful employees at Children's Hospice South West.

The handover followed a tour of the facilities given by Colin Easterbrook, one of the charity's many volunteers.

Debbie Coleman, HR manager at Airsprung, said: “Colin was clearly passionate about the work of the Hospice, having been involved right from the start.

“When you see the environment they have built here you cannot help but be impressed. It really is a home from home and just feels so welcoming, nothing is too much trouble.”

The charity was established 24 years ago by Eddie and Jill Farwell and opened the first of three hospices five years later. The hospice at Charlton Farm was opened in 2007 by HRH, The Countess of Wessex.

All three hospices are predominantly funded through donations and fund raising events. To find out more about this vital work, visit www.chsw.org.uk and click on 'Support Us' to see how you can help.