PEOPLE have voted to help a hospice homecare charity secure £3,000 to support people and their families living with a terminal illness.

At the end of last year, a bid was made to the Aviva Community Fund on behalf of Herriot Hospice Homecare, which provides care to people in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

People were asked to vote online for the organisation they thought should receive financial support. Herriot’s application received 1,337 votes and the charity was one of only three to be successful in the “helping the older generation category”.

The money will enable the charity’s volunteer sitting service to provide companionship to 25 older people living with a terminal illness, as well as respite care for their carers.

The bid for the grant was made by McClarrons, an independent insurance brokers operating in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Irene Bosomworth, the charity's trust fundraiser, said: “For a charity like ours, this is a significant amount of money, which will go a very long way.

“It will enable us to provide dozens of visits, with each lasting up to three hours each week depending on the needs and choices of the patient.

“It will also ensure that we are able to give a well-earned break to carers, who are the unsung heroes.”

Jonathan Copley, head of McClarrons’ care and social welfare team said: “Having worked with Herriot for a number of years, it is clear to see how valued their work in the local community is, and how this money will enable them to reach even more people in need.”