MORE than £1,500 has been raised by a Worcester fire systems company for Acorns Children's Hospice after a teenage relative of an employee was stuck down by a stroke.

The money came from a Christmas raffle and Christmas fundraising last year by staff at Compco Fire Systems in Malvern Road.

Zoe Rousell, the firm's HR officer, explained: " The reason we chose Acorns was because of the help it gave to one of our employees partner's daughters, who suffered a massive stroke at the age of only 14. She was transferred to Birmingham Children’s hospital to undergo an emergency operation. Dee Harker her mother and Paul Lamb her step-father took a bedside vigil for three weeks and were fortunate enough to have the services of Ronald McDonald House, which provides a safe haven for parents and siblings who have very sick children at the hospital.

"The family have been fundraising for all three charities along with friends and family members. Unfortunately the stroke was too severe to overcome, and the young girl Hannah-Leigh was then transferred to Acorns Children’s Hospice for palliative care. The money raised has now been used to purchase a wide range of toys and gifts for Worcester Acorns Children’s Hospice."

These were delivered to the hospice by Compco employee representatives Paul Lamb and Mrs Rousell, along with Hannah-Leigh’s mother Dee and little sister Jasmine Harker, who met members of the team from Acorns to give them the gifts.

Mrs Rousell added: "Thank you to all those who helped raise the great amount that went towards these much appreciated gifts for the children. We hope to hold more charity raising events in the future."