A BROMSGROVE hospice who support cancer patients and their families is in the running to bag a massive cash boost from Tesco’s £12.5 million Bags of Help initiative.

Primrose Hospice on St Godwald’s Road has been shortlisted as one of three groups in the region to pick up a grant of £12,000, £10,000 or £8,000 as part of the Tesco scheme.

The scheme is part of Tesco’s link with the ‘Groundwork on its Bags of Help’ initiative, which sees money raised from the 5p bag levy awarded to environmental and greenspace projects.

Primrose will use the funds to upgrade their hospice pond with new lining, while also improving access for wheelchair users by installing a new path.

Emma Williams, Community Fundraiser, said: "Our pond desperately needs replacing.

"The lining is torn, water constantly muddy and patients are unable to view pond life.

"Access to the pond from our day hospice is very steep for patients and inaccessible for wheelchair users. We propose installing a new path to improve accessibility.

"We also propose creating a reflection space for patients and families by refurbishing a dilapidated courtyard.

"This would include a ‘tree of remembrance’ mural, spanning the courtyard, as well as space for regular gatherings in memory of loved ones.

"Families would be invited to purchase personalised leaves or fruit to place on the ‘tree’."

More than 2,800 groups throughout the country applied for grants, before being whittled down to three in each of Tesco’s regions by store workers.

Redditch’s Oasis Christian Centre and Picheroak School complete the shortlisted trio.

Lindsey Crompton, Head of Community at Tesco, said: "There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them come to life in hundreds of communities."

Groundwork’s national Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, added: "They’re all fantastic projects that make a real difference in our neighbourhoods."

Voting is open in Tesco stores across the region from October 31 to November 13.

Customers will be able to cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

For more information visit tesco.com/bagsofhelp.