SAVVY members of a youth club managed to raise more than £300 for St Helena’s Hospice in Colchester through several inventive fundraisers.

St Anne’s Youth Club, on Harwich Road, raised £326.90 for the hospice through cake sales, raffles and stalls in their school and a guess the number of sweets challenge.

The youth club members teamed up with Jo Clarke, St Helena’s support engagement fundraiser, to raise as much money as possible over the summer.

Debby Eley, youth club coordinator said: “We are all so very proud of the young people that got involved.

“Their ideas were inventive and creative, and I can't believe how much effort they put into raising as much money as possible for such a worthy charity.

“They are an incredibly thoughtful bunch of children, and I am so proud of them all.”

Jo Clarke said: “On behalf of everyone here at St Helena Hospice we would like to say thank you to the children from St Anne's Youth Club, for spending their summer holidays taking part in our £10 challenge and raising £326.90. 

“They have all done amazing and come up with some great ideas from bake sales to chores for donations.

“Their donations could provide pain management and symptom relief for fourteen patients, along with emotional support and advice for their family with a visit from a Hospice clinical nurse specialist.”

St Helena’s Hospice provides individual care and support for its clients, through home visits, phone calls and meetings at the hospice.

The hospice also helps adults across north Essex cope with grief following the death of loved ones.

St Anne's Youth Club gather every Friday evening at the Oak Tree Centre on Harwich Road, from 6pm till 8pm.

The club is funded by the trustees of the Oak Tree Centre and is supported by the team at Essex Boys and Girls Club.

The hospice relies heavily on donations, which aid them in the vital community work they perform every day.