A housebuilding firm has raised more than £30,000 for a cash-strapped care organisation.

ellenor hospice, in Northfleet, provides care to more than 3,000 patients and their families every year across Gravesend, Dartford and Swanley.

Last month the care organisation made a desperate appeal for donations after it predicted a shortfall of £1.1 millon over a four month period.

It said the suspension of fundraising activities throughout lockdown would result in a loss of funds needed to provide care and support now and in the future.

Now the Kent-based division of developers Berkeley has confirmed it has raised in excess of £33,000 – more than double its yearly target of £15,000 – to help keep the hospice afloat.

The funds were raised through a variety of activities throughout the last year from a golf day at the Woldingham Golf Club to traditional bake sales and a Christmas Jumper Day.

In total, they raised £23,389.39. The Berkeley Foundation, the registered charity established by the developer in 2011, provided a further £10,000 grant.

Interim head of fundraising at ellenor Kate Barnes said: “This support will enable us to continue providing essential care and support to babies, children and adults facing a terminal or life-limiting illness.

"Thank you so much to everyone at Berkeley for raising this fantastic sum, it will make such a difference to us and those we look after, especially during these challenging and uncertain times.”

Peter Smith, managing director of Berkeley Homes Eastern Counties, paid testament to the strong sense of community and goodwill across the county.

He said: "We have been working with ellenor for many years and are delighted to have been able to raise such a total for 2020.

"A big thank you to the team for all their efforts throughout the last 12 months, and to our various partners, contractors and suppliers who got involved and donated so generously.”

For more information about ellenor hospice or to donate visit www.ellenor.org/emergencyfund

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