A Kent hospice is urging good causes to apply for KM charity of the year status in 2019 in spite of its wish to carry on in the role itself.

Heart of Kent Hospice communications manager Pippa Blythe said being charity of the year had helped the organisation generate extra publicity and fundraising opportunities, and also proved highly popular with the hospice’s business sponsors.

She said: “For our corporate supporters the close links with the KM Group are much valued as they are seen as an opportunity to spread the word of their support for us.

“And we have been able to offer our supporters the chance to do different fundraising activities which we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to offer.

“Being KM Charity of the Year is a much-needed platform for raising awareness of what we do for the local community.”

The deadline for charity of the year nominations for 2019 is October 27. You can submit entries at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk.

The chosen charity will receive 12 months of multimedia support, plus access to KM Charity Team such as the annual dragon boat race, colour run and abseil events.

Maidstone-based Heart of Kent is currently the Kent Messenger’s charity of the year, and has already submitted an application to carry on in the role for another 12 months.

Mrs Blythe said that working with the Messenger’s editorial team had “felt like a real partnership”. She added: “Their advice and support are making for some really good coverage.

“This is a really valued partnership which we have applied for already for 2019. Good luck to everyone applying.”