One of Cheltenham's largest employers, Kohler Mira Ltd has selected a new charity partner for 2020 - Sue Ryder.

It follows a vote by the leading shower manufacturer's 700 associates right across the UK.

Every year the company raises money for a different charity, and this year the big-hearted firm will be raising vital funds to help Sue Ryder support people through the most difficult times of their lives - whether that's a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition.

With headquarters in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Kohler Mira is just a few miles from Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice - one of seven Sue Ryder hospices and four Sue Ryder Neurological Care centres across the UK, giving 2.2 million hours of expert and compassionate care each year.

Elise Hoadley, hospice director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said: "All our volunteers, Sue Ryder Nurses, care and support staff were absolutely thrilled to hear the news that we have been chosen as Kohler Mira's charity partner this year. Their support will make a huge difference to the families needing our care.

"This year is the World Health Organisation's 'Year of the Nurse', celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. It's a poignant year for us to have this support from Kohler Mira, raising vital funds so our Sue Ryder Nurses can continue to be there when it matters.

"We're really looking forward to welcoming Kohler Mira associates to our Sue Ryder hospice here in Gloucestershire, so they can find out more about what they're helping to support. I also can't wait to see what fundraising plans the associates make throughout the year.

"It was great to hear at our partnership launch about four apprentices and two managers braving a public head shave to raise funds for us. So far, they've raised an incredible £1,400 between them, which could pay for 75 hours of our expert and compassionate care."

Craig Baker, managing director at Kohler Mira said: "We're thrilled to have announced our partnership with Sue Ryder this year - the support they offer to people through the most difficult times in their lives is exceptionally valuable and we hope our partnership will help bolster funding for ongoing and future projects.

"Our associates are really looking forward to creating some exciting fundraising ideas, ensuring we do all we can to raise money for this remarkable charity."

For more information on Sue Ryder visit www.sueryder.org.