St Michael's Church in Workington has raised £3,000 during a year of fundraising for the Cumbria Children's Hospice, Jigsaw.

Margaret Smith, member of the Parochial Church Council for the church, said: "As the Parish Church we take our outreach into the local community very seriously. When we heard that the only Children’s Hospice in Cumbria was appealing for businesses and communities to raise £2,126 which would support their work for just one day we took up the challenge to raise the money before the end of 2018."

Throughout the year the church held raffles, table top sales, concerts, open afternoons, coffee mornings and by the end of the year had reached a total of £3,000.

Sam Johnston, community and events fundraiser at Jigsaw said, “Having the support of the congregation at St Michael’s has been amazing. Their efforts go to show how much of a difference can be made when the local community work together to support a worthy local cause. We cannot thank them all enough!”

The money raised by the congregation will help Jigsaw to provide care, support and activities to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. All the charity’s care and compassion is extended to the children and young adults’ family, friends and carers.

Jigsaw has facilities for up to five in-patients as well as day respite care for young people.

The building is bright, colourful and modern with a large sensory room with light and sound equipment in it. There is a “tech” hideout where teenage patients can go to watch films, play computer games or just chill out and upstairs there is a purpose built flat for parents or carers to stay overnight if they want to.

Fittingly Margaret and the other members of the congregation have chosen to Pay For a Day at Jigsaw on 29 September 2019, which is their patron saint St Michael’s day.

Margaret said: "while we are celebrating our patronal festival in Workington our donation will be caring for Cumbrian children in Carlisle."

For more information about how to Pay For a Day or about Jigsaw visit www.jigsawhospice.org or call them on 01228 810801.