Isle of Wight Morrisons stores' customer and staff, in Newport and Sandown, have helped raised thousands of pounds for a palliative care provider that works with children’s hospices.

Together for Short Lives provides palliative care for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions.

It has received more than £35,000 for tis work though Naomi House & Jacksplace, thanks to the combined efforts of Island staff and their Hampshire-based colleagues, in Basingstoke, Totton, Horndean and Gosport.

The branches have hosted an array of fundraising activities have been hosted across the year.

Ella Clayton, senior fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: "We are so delighted to be twinned with six fantastic Morrisons stores.

"Over the last 18 months, we’ve developed a close bond with our amazing charity champions. 

"A huge thank you to all the staff for their dedication, hard work and commitment to our charity."

Staff were recently given a guided tour of the vital facilities which support families on the Isle of Wight and across the south coast.

Leah Tosdevin, charity champion at Morrisons Newport, said: "Raising money for Together for Short Lives has been a highlight of my career. 

"Knowing that the money helps the children and young adults at Naomi House & Jacksplace melts my heart. 

"I wish I could do more. I can’t wait to visit again soon."

Morrisons aims to raise £10 million by October 2024, across the UK.

So far, half that amount has already been raised, UK-wide.

Andy Fletcher, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said: "We are thrilled Morrisons colleagues have reached this incredible £5 million milestone.

"It will make such a difference to the work we do with families and provide much-needed funds for local children’s hospices.

"A huge thank you to Morrisons colleagues, customers and suppliers from Together for Short Lives and the 99,000 children living with a life limited condition in the UK."