A CHARITY which cares for sick children throughout the SouthWest, including Taunton Deane and West Somerset, has said that ‘every penny’ is vital – after receiving a cash boost of £3,500 from the Gannett Foundation.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett, owner of the national Newsquest Media Group, which owns the County Gazette, was represented by reporter Will Carpenter who presented the cheque to the team at the charity’s Wellington branch of CHSW last week.

Assistant manager Samantha Williams said: “We are really grateful for this donation – every penny we receive is vital and makes a difference to all the children and families who use our services.

“We have three hospices across the South West and the hospices are great places because they give the children the chance to play.

“The shop really does need donations of clothes and toys so, if you have anything you can donate, please do so.”

The money will go towards a special Savi Cot Bed for children staying at the charity’s Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall, near Bristol.

A CHSW spokesman said: “The cot will enable the care team to meet the needs of young children and babies for whom a paediatric clinical bed is not suitable.

“The high-sided cot is fully padded, ensuring that a child is protected and cushioned, and can help prevent injury from seizures which is common among the babies and children we care for.

“The cot is extremely adaptable with removal sides, it can be raised and lowered to allow safe handling and care to each individual child’s or baby’s needs.”