MORE than £9,000 has been raised at the Airedale Shopping Centre over the last eleven and-a-half months to help a children's hospice.

The centre's target to collect a total of £10,000 in support of Martin House is now in sight, and its staff hope a final push will enable them to reach their charitable goal.

Centre manager Steve Seymour said: “We're absolutely delighted we're so close to achieving the target, which is a phenomenal amount and more than we've raised in previous years.

“Everyone involved has worked tirelessly to raise both money and awareness for this incredibly deserving charity.

"The work the hospice does is extremely important to the young people and their families in the community. The help and support we've received with all our fundraising events has been outstanding.

“During March there are a variety of fundraising activities taking place across Airedale Centre so shoppers have a final opportunity to once more dig deep and help get that final figure of £10,000 or more."

Chris Verney, community fundraiser for Martin House Hospice, said: “The last year has proved a huge success for the charity. Not only have we had so much fun putting on the various fundraising activities, we've raised an incredible amount in the process.

“We can’t thank Airedale Shopping Centre and the local community enough for their support.

"With so much going on over the next few weeks at the centre we're confident we'll hit the £10,000 mark to fund the care we provide to so many children and young people with life shortening illnesses."

As part of the fundraising drive Lloyds Bank is raffling off two Mother’s Day hampers – packed full of luxurious goodies and treats. The draw takes place this Thursday. (March 24)

People will have the opportunity to donate further at Airedale’s fashion show on March 31 and April 1. And there are collection boxes in Burger King and Raffles.