This Hospice Care Week, big hearted HSBC UK employees in Gloucestershire have announced they've raised more than £12,000 for a local hospice charity, in response to their emergency appeal.

After hearing about Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice's need for support to keep hospice services running following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Gloucester HSBC branch manager Dan Eagan and his colleague and Stroud branch manager Ryan Starr, sprung into action and hopped on their bikes.

The pair cycled to 14 HSBC branches across Gloucestershire and beyond, covering 200 miles in two-and-a-half days taking in HSBC branches in Thornbury, Yate, Stroud, Cirencester, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Evesham, Stratford on Avon, Hereford, Leominster, Ross on Wye, Chepstow and Monmouth.

And their colleagues from branches across the region got right behind them by 'matching' the miles the pair cycled, taking part in a variety of fundraising activities, including sponsored walks, mountain climbs, cycling, and cake sales to push their fundraising further.

"We know many of our colleagues' friends and relatives have relied on the services of Sue Ryder and the amazing work they do and we all wanted to come up with a way we could help, which is why we launched the challenge," said Mr Starr.

"We are absolutely blown away by the support of our colleagues and customers and we're thrilled to announce that with match funding from HSBC together we've raised £12,226.89 towards Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice's emergency appeal.

"I honestly can't explain how proud it makes me feel. Every single branch has made a significant contribution, and this fantastic figure would never have possible without the entire team playing their part. I want to say a huge well done and thank you to everyone for their support."

Elise Hoadley, hospice director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said, "Everyone at the hospice is hugely grateful for the team at HSBC for their incredible support of our emergency appeal. The fantastic sum they've raised will help us continue to be there when it matters for local families needing our expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support."

"Our hospice is facing a £1.6million funding gap this financial year due to the cancellation of our fundraising events, increased costs for PPE for our doctors and nurses and the closure of our shops during the lockdown period. I want the team at HSBC to know their support really means the world to us. Thank you."