A GENEROUS donation is set to bring smiles to the faces of severely ill youngsters this Christmas.

Middlesbrough-based Zoe’s Place baby hospice received 50 gifts donated by entrepreneur Vik Kumar after they appealed for help.

The hospice which provides respite, palliative and end of life care to babies around the region requested toy donations for both their patients and their siblings who spend significant time in the hospice.

When Mr Kumar, of Concept Eye Clinic, became aware of their need he was only too happy to get involved and kindly donated enough toys to ensure that every child currently using Zoe’s place would get a gift this Christmas.

The Northern Echo:

Hospice general manager Mark Guidery with Vik Kumar and Rebekah Patterson of Concept Eye Clinic at Zoe's Place hospice in Middlesbrough Picture: STUART BOULTON

He said: “Our business is underpinned by a social model of care which supports and donates to causes we recognise as essential.

“When we learnt about the work of Zoe’s Place, it was something we wanted to be involved in, both now and going forward.”

A hospice spokesman said: “Fundraising is the engine that keeps this special hospice open for the families who desperately need and rely on the nursing team.”

The hospice is heavily reliant upon donations to keep the doors of Zoe’s Place open.