SPECSAVERS in Penarth has helped raise nearly £30,000 for the Ty Hafan children’s hospice in a year.

The Windsor Road store joined forces with 36 other Specsavers opticians across south and mid Wales in September 2016, to raise as much as possible in one year for children and young people in Wales with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.

By organising bake sales, Christmas choir tours, fitness weekends, fancy dress days and more, staff assisted in raising £29,775 for the Sully-based hospice.

Frank Moloney, Specsavers store director in Penarth, said: "Ty Hafan is a charity that means a great deal to our staff and the customers that visit our store each day, some of whom may benefit directly from its support, or know someone who has.

"We believe the work the charity does is remarkable, and that its life-changing services should remain free for those who need them most, so we are delighted to have contributed in some way towards that."

Specsavers marked the start of the partnership with a one-off donation of £10,958.

Mr Moloney added: "If it wasn’t for our team members and customers, who generously took time to support with - and donate towards - various fundraising events, we would never have reached the outstanding final amount we did.

"Whether buying something at a bake sale or donating spare change during a choir performance, our community has supported us throughout and we cannot thank everyone enough."

Since its creation in 1999, Ty Hafan has provided support for 720 children (699 families) across Wales, of which 247 children are currently receiving help from the charity.

Natalie Whyatt, corporate partnership manager at Ty Hafan, said: "We are so grateful to Specsavers for their incredible efforts in raising nearly £30,000, so that we can continue providing comfort, care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families throughout Wales.

"It costs £11,787 to provide just one day of care at our hospice, so £30,000 will pay for nearly three days of care, which is an extraordinary gift for Specsavers to give to our families, helping us to ensure they can build precious memories together, ensuring a short life is a full life."