CHILDREN’S Hospice South West (CHSW) is delighted to have been chosen as the charity of the year for more than 75 Tesco stores in the region, including the supermarket in Crediton.

It is hoped that if each store raises £750, this could equate to more than £55,000 raised for the charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Gary Wills, a store manager at Tesco, said: “We are delighted to be able to support CHSW. The support given by them is second to none and we are privileged to be able to help.”

Some stores have already kicked off their fundraising by getting involved in CHSW’s Rainbow Run Your Way and one employee has even taken part in a sponsored hair cut, parting with waist-length locks to support the good cause.

CHSW has three children’s hospices in the South West; Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, Charlton Farm near Bristol and Little Harbour in St Austell.

The hospices currently support more than 500 children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions along with their families. The hospices are a lifeline to families, offering resilience stays, emergency visits, home support, end of life care and bereavement support.

Ruth Morgan, area fundraiser at CHSW, said: “We feel so lucky to have this partnership, which will provide a huge opportunity to raise funds for, as well as awareness of, CHSW across the region through these local stores.

"With Tesco teams already excited to get started with their fundraising we have every confidence that this is going to be a fantastic partnership and a highlight in our 30th anniversary year.”

It costs CHSW around £11 million a year to run its three children’s hospices, 85 per cent of which comes from voluntary donations.

If you are interested in supporting the charity in its 30th anniversary year simply visit: www.chsw.org.uk/30 to find out how to get involved or call Little Bridge House on 01271 325 270 to speak to a member of the fundraising team.