Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice, are celebrating a pledge of support from Brampton-based business, WCF.

The Cumbrian company is embracing the new Club 24 initiative whereby businesses donate the equivalent cost of a 24-hour stay at the hospice for a patient.

The Club 24 initiative is an opportunity for businesses to help cover the cost of round-the-clock patient care by donating £877 annually or £73.08 monthly.

Jo Ritzema, managing director of WCF, said: “As a business very much rooted in Cumbria, we make it a priority to support organisations such as Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw which make a huge difference to our communities.

"The Club 24 initiative is a brilliant way for businesses to support the work they do, and ensure that people across Cumbria continue to receive the vital services they provide to patients and their families."

She is advocating for other businesses to offer their support, too, by signing up for Club 24.

Ms Ritzema said: “We’ve supported Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw for a number of years through fundraising and volunteering, as well as providing practical support such as supplying wild bird food for the gardens free of charge through our WCF Pet & Equestrian store in Carlisle.

“As a part employee-owned business, we champion charities which are important to our team and the communities in which they live.

"Initiatives such as Club 24 are a great way for businesses to get involved and make a positive difference.”

Since its introduction in April, around a dozen firms have joined Club 24, bringing a host of benefits including invitations to networking events and early access to sponsorship and volunteering opportunities.

Martha Pardoe, relationship fundraiser with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, said: "We are so grateful for WCF’s ongoing support, most recently in being one of the first members of Club 24.

"Joining Club 24 is a valuable way for a business to make a real difference to a local family’s life by donating the cost of 24 hours for a patient at the hospice.

"Whilst a small amount of time for many of us, 24 hours truly means everything to those who we care for at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

"Whilst knowing you have made an impact, we are also proud to offer a range of benefits to Club 24 members including ways to engage staff, networking with other businesses and PR opportunities.”

The annual running cost of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw is £4.8 million, with around 80 per cent funded by voluntary donations from individuals, businesses and community groups.

The remaining 20 per cent is facilitated by NHS grants.

WCF operates across the UK in the retail, logistics and leisure sectors.

Its Cumbrian-centred operations include five WCF Pet & Equestrian stores in Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Cockermouth and Ulverston; a nationwide mail-order shopping enterprise running out of Brampton; and Allan Stobart Lubricants and Fuels, as well as WCF Fuels North West which supply bulk heating oil to Cumbrian clientele.

For additional information about Club 24, please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org.