PHYLLIS Tuckwell has received a donation of £9,500 from TextAnywhere, a company which provides text messaging services for business customers.

Wendy Bridges and Shaz Ide from TextAnywhere visited the hospice in March, when they presented a cheque to Vanessa Beech, corporate fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell.

They were also shown around the hospice, so that they could see the services which are on offer to local patients and their families who are living with a terminal illness, such as cancer.

“We are a socially responsible organisation, and run a series of charitable initiatives,” said Wendy Bridges, digital marketing and communications manager at TextAnywhere.

“Each year we donate part of our profits to good causes, and this donation to Phyllis Tuckwell is one per cent of our 2016 pre-tax profits.

“We also offer our employees the chance to take time out from work to volunteer for good causes, and have programmes in place to provide our services at special rates to not-for-profit organisations.”

The charity was collectively nominated by employees at TextAnywhere, in particular digital marketing campaign manager Shaz Ide, who had a personal reason for suggesting the charity.

She explained: “Phyllis Tuckwell cared for my grandmother when she was ill. When she was referred to the hospice, I was very apprehensive.

“I pictured it as a dark and depressing place, but to my surprise it was decorated in bright colours and had beautiful, peaceful grounds. I instantly felt safe. Every single member of staff was exceptional – they truly are a credit.

“It has been a year and half since my grandma died and Phyllis Tuckwell is still supporting our family through bereavement counselling. The Phyllis Tuckwell team would to thank Shaz, Wendy and all at TextAnywhere for this generous donation.”