A hospice has received a financial boost by the bucket load.

Actress and ellenor charity patron Cheryl Fergison collected donations from generous audiences at her show, Menopause the Musical.

The Orchard in Dartford was one of three theatres at which the former EastEnders actress held bucket collections, raising a grand total of £2,600 for the Northfleet charity.

The show producers also allowed Cheryl to speak about the care and support ellenor provides to patients and their families.

Cheryl said: “Thanks to the theatres and the producers for allowing me to do this and to everyone who supports ellenor.”

About 2,000 families are supported each year. Linda Trew, head of community, said ellenor was extremely grateful to Cheryl, those involved in the shows and the volunteers who helped with the collections.

She said: “The money could pay for 84 sessions of play or music therapy for one of our young patients or their siblings.”

Medical equipment used to control pain and symptoms such as sickness and agitation has also been presented to the hospice.

Swanley and North Downs Lions raised £6,000 in a number of activities, including Bike Around Brands 2015, carol collections and a quiz night.

The money has been used to buy three syringe pumps which administer a small amount of medication frequently during a 24-hour period, avoiding the need for regular injections while helping to keep constant medicine levels in the bloodstream.

Cheryl’s support will continue in September with the ellenor Twilight Walk. To sign up, go to www.ellenor.org/events.