M&S Ulverston has officially partnered with St Mary’s Hospice as its Charity of the Year.

For the next 12 months the team will help raise funds for the local cause, from taking part in charity runs to bake sales, raffles and other events.

To mark the start of the partnership, the store has donated 60 care packs alongside bouquets of flowers.

The care packs, which are being provided to hospice staff, are full of healthy snacks to help keep the team energised throughout their working day. The flowers have been donated for the hospice to give to its patients.

Clare Paling, area fundraiser at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “St Mary’s Hospice has a warm, friendly atmosphere and these beautiful flowers will help that feeling of calm and homeliness that our patients, families and visitors value so much.

“The care packs will be greatly appreciated by our staff, with the healthy treats helping to keep them going as they provide 24hour care both on the in-patient unit and in the community.

“We can’t thank M&S Ulverston enough for its kind support and we look forward to developing our relationship with them as a valued partner.”

M&S Head of Region for the North West of England, Simon Layton, said: “We’ve not long been open in Ulverston, so the team wanted to find and support a cause that was close to the heart of the community.

“St Mary’s Hospice provides a vital service and works tirelessly with so many local families; we’re honoured to partner with them as our Charity of the Year at our Ulverston store. The team are excited for the fundraising ahead and hope customers will join in supporting this very worthy cause.”

M&S Ulverston offers thousands of M&S’s quality and great value food products, from daily essentials and fresh produce from M&S Select Farms, to dinner favourites and ready-to-go family meals.

With 60 free car parking spaces, the store is ideal for convenient Clothing & Home collection. M&S Ulverston offers the full range of M&S Clothing & Home products via its Click & Collect service.