A MONEYMAKING charity scheme has raised more than £10,000 for a Worcester hospice in the past year.

The idea has been welcomed by schoolchildren across Worcestershire who have helped their money grow by making things to raise much-needed funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

Alison Parkes, senior community fund-raiser at St Richard’s, said her mission at the moment is to get more students and community groups involved with the flourishing fiver scheme.

She said: “The hospice gives each student a £5 note if their parents aren’t able to start them off with a fiver.

“Pupils can double or even treble the money by using a variety of skills, such as baking cakes and making cards which they then sell on at a profit, giving all the proceeds to the hospice.

“Pupils often want to know more about the hospice and how they can support us and I go into schools and talk about what we do.

“Students listen to how St Richard’s offers care and support which can help them understand if they find themselves in the unfortunate situation of a loved one being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.”

Mrs Parkes hopes to visit more schools to tell students about the work of St Rich-ard’s and is appealing for organisations to get in touch.

She said: “We serve everyone in the community so I think it is important that people know what we do.

“We need to raise funds constantly to keep up with the on-going running costs. Our chaplain, family support team and nurses would be delighted to talk to any group who invites us so please ring and find out more.”

This year St Richard’s Hospice is celebrating its silver anniversary marking 25 years of providing free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supporting their families. Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,000 patients and family members in Worcestershire. Mrs Parkes can be contacted on 01905 763963 or aparkes@strichards.org.uk. Alternatively, visit strichards.org.uk.