A hospice in Ulverston has joined forces with a number of local businesses to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

St Mary's Hospice officially launched its Compassionate Companies Network on Monday morning, which was said to ensure the charity was able to keep serving the community for another 35 years.

Read more: Ulverston hospice celebrating 35th birthday with £35 scheme | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Each Compassionate Company will pledge to donate £35 for 35 months, providing a vital and constant source of funds for St Mary's.

Annabelle Holloway, corporate partnership manager at the hospice, said: "We are extremely grateful to all of the businesses who have signed up to join our Compassionate Companies Network.

"Their support will provide us with sustainability for the future of the hospice and allow us to plan our services and care ahead."

The Mail: Annabelle Holloway at the Compassionate Companies launch eventAnnabelle Holloway at the Compassionate Companies launch event (Image: St Mary's Hospice)

On Monday, the hospice met with representatives from Napthens LLP, MKM Barrow, BNI Cumbria - UK, Travel the Globe, RSS Bookkeeping & Accounts Ltd, Stollers, JPS on Socials, Poole Townsend, Athena PTS, Charnleys Home & Garden and 32West.

Lakeland Retreats and Deltawaite have also committed themselves to this long term support.

The hope is that the launch event will persuade even more businesses to get involved.

Annabelle added: "I would encourage any local business to get in touch with myself if they are interested in joining our network.

"This is an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded businesses, demonstrate your business’ commitment to its local hospice and the wider community and improve your brand visibility.”

Charnley’s are just one of the many companies who have signed up to support St Mary’s over the next 35 months.

Speaking about why they pledged their support, managing director Sam Procter said: “We feel that St Mary’s is a huge asset to the community, it’s somewhere that we all know someone who has been affected or used the services.

"It’s somewhere close to our heart and that’s why we decided to support the hospice.” 

If you would like to join the network, then you can email annabelle.holloway@stmaryshospice.org.uk.