AN ENERGY giant is helping hospices across the region raise funds through raffles after it donated hampers worth £100 to the services.

Northern Powergrid has handed out 40 hampers to hospices based in the North-East, Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire.

Each hospice is invited to raffle the festive hampers to raise money for their services.

The hampers include items such as sweets, treats and traditional festive goodies.

Catherine Harris, Northern Powergrid communications manager, said: “Donating the hampers is a great way to help local hospices raise more funds over the Christmas season.

“The raffles attract a significant amount of support from local communities and in recent years they have helped each hospice raise anything between £300 and £1,000 which is fantastic.

“The thousands of pounds raised will give a much-needed boost to the hospices and help them carry on the vital work they do in our local communities.”

Sue Miller, fundraising manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, in York, said: “We’re delighted that Northern Powergrid thought of the hospice when planning their giving at this time of year.

“The hamper will help raise welcome funds for the hospice, which in turn will make a positive contribution towards the care of our patients.”