A Keighley jeweller has smashed through the £20,000 mark in his fundraising campaign for a children’s hospice.

Liam McQuaid – of Raffles in the Airedale Shopping Centre – began supporting Martin House seven years ago in tribute to the care it gave his terminally ill baby son.

Little Niall died at the Boston Spa hospice, aged just seven weeks.

Since then Mr McQuaid, with his wife and friends, have taken part in a range of fundraising events.

And the latest cash injection of £1,700 came after he donated two pieces of jewellery – a diamond solitaire ring and Chamilia bracelet – for a charity auction at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

“The diamond ring eventually went for £1,550 during a traditional auction, and we got £150 for the bracelet in a silent auction, for which people had to write down their bids,” said Mr McQuaid.

“I was delighted with the amount raised. It took the fundraising we’ve done for the hospice during the past seven years through the £20,000 mark and, in fact, we’re now on about £21,000.

“Niall received some fantastic care at Martin House, which is why my wife and I try to support the hospice as much as we can.

“We’ve done all sorts of fundraising ventures, including donating items to auctions like the one at Harrogate. I also took part in the Great North Run on two occasions a few years ago.”

He added: “Martin House really does care very well for children and their families, and is a happy place despite the youngsters who go there having life-limiting illnesses.

“My son Niall was only there a week, but he received the best care that was available.

“The staff are on hand 24/7 and do everything for you, including providing your food and even doing your washing. This gives you more time to actually spend with your child.

“I will continue helping the hospice for as long as I can.”

Airedale Shopping Centre manager Steve Seymour congratulated Mr McQuaid on his fundraising efforts.

“His latest generosity of donating such expensive items to the hospice’s charity raffle must have been so welcome, and it is fantastic this paid off by helping Liam to smash through the £20,000 mark,” he said.

Tribute was also paid by Caroline Hudson, events manager at Martin House. “The support from Liam and Raffles during the past few years has been tremendous,” she said.

“This money goes a long way to supporting more than 350 families, who are living with a child who has a life-limiting condition, across the Yorkshire region. Many thanks from everyone at Martin House.”