A KIDDERMINSTER hospice is celebrating a welcome boost after a week of fundraising helped raised thousands of pounds.

Three events were held that brought in a combined figure of more than £8,500 for Kemp Hospice, which provides specialist care for people affected by life limiting illness and supports those who have been bereaved in Wyre Forest.

On November 1, a charity fashion show was held at Kidderminster Town Hall which saw 50 volunteer models take to the catwalk to show off donated clothing. The evening was hosted by Signal 107 presenter Dicky Dodd and raised £5,500.

Hogarths Stone Manor, in Mustow Green held a fireworks display on November 4 and raised £1,700 from the sales of glow sticks and light-up merchandise.

Kemp was further boosted when engineer Kevin Williams held a charity quiz night at Kidderminster Harriers, which raised more than £1,300.

The hospice is close to Mr Williams’ heart who helped raise money for the hospice back in the early 2000s while working for British Aerospace.

He said: “Back in 2008 my wife passed away at the age of 38 and although she only used the day centre a few times she loved it, I think it took her mind away from the illness she was going through.

“I was privileged to become an ambassador for Kemp a few years ago and although my normal 9-5 job limits what I can do nowadays I try to at least help out at a few events.

“For me doing the quiz which takes a good month or so to sort is something that gives me a real buzz but the night is only good as you the audience.”

In addition to these events, staff took part in Halloween fundraising fun at the hospice.

Kemp CEO Heidi Hawkins said: “What an incredible week! A fashion show, a fireworks display, a quiz and Halloween fundraising.

“We are so truly blessed to have some fantastic supporters and everyone has been, and continues to be so generous. We have to raise over £700,000 this year through events and donations.

“We are so lucky that the Wyre Forest see the benefit of the work we do and the lives that they help to support. This year we aim to provide vital support to one thousand people and we simply couldn’t do that without the fantastic generosity of the wonderful Wyre Forest.”

The hospice is now preparing for the Kemp Hospice Santa Fun Run on Sunday, December 3 and their Light Up A Life campaign that allows people to remember loved ones culminating in a giant tree being placed at Kidderminster’s Swan Centre and a memorial event at the Town Hall on December 9.

For information on how to donate or volunteer for Kemp visit www.kemphospice.org.uk or by calling 01562 756000.