KM Group - publishers of KentOnline - provided £3.2 million of support to communities in Kent last year.

Figures released by the media group's in-house charity team, based at Wraik Hill, show just how far its charity activities have gone.

From adrenalin-filled abseil and zip wire events to the series of brain-teasing KM Big Quiz nights, through to sponsorship of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, the money has been raised to support causes that matter to the people of Kent.

And it is not just cash, directly made from events, that has helped our charities.

They have told us that, by linking up with the KM Group, they have enjoyed growth from the publicity generated by extensive press coverage, which has encouraged donations.

Kent's favourite charities, such as the Pilgrims Hospice, Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Heart of Kent hospice and the children's road safety service at Kent Walking Bus, have all benefited from the massive fund-raising effort.

Some of the highlights of the fund-raising in 2009 include:

The Canterbury KM Big Quiz, which brought in more than £11,000 for charity, money shared between the city's Kent Kids Miles of Smiles charity, the League of Friends of Kent and Canterbury Hospital and Kent Walking Bus

Maidstone's Fremlin Walk abseil which also raised £4,700, with the cash going to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and Heart of Kent Hospice.

Medway readers taking part in dragon boat race which attracted 14 teams and raised £30,000 for charity,

Thanet readers hurtled down cliffs in Ramsgate's Screaming Alley abseil to put another £3,300 for causes including prostate cancer.

Zip Wire daredevils at Folkestone racecourse whizzed down from the main stand and onto the course itself to bring in a winning total of more than £7,700 for charity, with Pilgrims Hospices receiving a big dividend.

Press coverage encouraged caring readers of the Dartford and Gravesend Messenger titles to take part in huge numbers in the Every One Counts campaign, asking those in the district to donate just £1 to help the Ellenor Lions.

The campaign helped the hospice raise £100,000 last year and meet its £200,000 fundraising target.

Across KM Group publications in 2009, media space has been given over to promote charity events, valued at £2.6 million.

Simon Dolby, manager of the KM Charity Team, says “It’s not just cash, directly made from events, that has helped our charities. They have told us that by linking up with the KM Group they have enjoyed growth from the publicity generated by extensive media coverage, which has encouraged donations.

“In 2008 we were able to help get communities £2.6 million of support and we are very excited to have exceeded that. Working together with communities KM Group really does make a difference.”