Staff at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham are sharing their thanks with E G Carter and Co Ltd, after it was announced the firm is extending its charity partnership to continue to support them in 2021.

Mari Pittman, Sue Ryder nurse, said: "We've been working tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic to make sure we can continue to be there when it matters for the people of Gloucestershire, giving our expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support.

"It's little over a year on from the outbreak now, and our charity shops remain shut and our usual vital fundraising events are not taking place. Raising funds has been a huge struggle for us at a time we've been playing our part in the coronavirus effort.

"We were so grateful to E G Carter and Co for their support in 2020. To hear that the company has chosen to extend their support for us into 2021 has come as a real boost for us all. We're so grateful."

Gloucester-based E G Carter has a strong personal connection to the hospice, which provided care for former director, Ian Brown.

Joshua Carter, director of E G Carter, said: "Sue Ryder is a charity that has always been close to our hearts. The friends and family of many of our employees have been comforted by the fantastic support the charity provides. The care, love and comfort it has bought at the end of many people's lives have been incredible - this is something that we cannot thank Sue Ryder enough for.

"We are excited to support Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice throughout 2021 and some of our initiatives include helping with virtual and (fingers crossed) physical events, supporting some of the upkeep to their facilities and spreading awareness about the charity.

"E G Carter & Co Ltd would like to continually thank Sue Ryder for the incredible work that they do here in Gloucestershire and right across the country."

As well as supporting Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in 2021, EG Carter will also be raising funds for The James Hopkins Trust, Hollie Gazzard Trust and The British Heart Foundation as part of the charity fundraising activities.

For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/leckhampton