A range of events, activities and challenges are being run by a St Albans estate agents in support of Children’s Hospice Week and Hertfordshire’s children’s hospice, Keech Hospice Care.

Employees at Leaders, which is aiming to raise £50,000 for Together for Short Lives in 2016, will bake, walk, cycle, climb and dress up in order to encourage as many donations as possible.

Children’s Hospice Week is the UK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children with life-shortening conditions and their families and the services, like children’s hospices that support them. Each of Leaders’ 117 branches across the country has been paired with its local children’s hospice to give staff a chance to raise money and volunteer on its behalf.

Some of the events already confirmed by branches for Children’s Hospice Week, which runs this week, include sponsored walks, a dance night with live music, quiz nights, climbing The O2 in London and Bum in a Bucket - an adaptation of the Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014.

Paul Weller, chief executive officer at Leaders, said: “I am delighted so many of our branches and staff are once again going the extra mile for our charity partner, Together for Short Lives. From running to baking, drawing and dressing up, there is plenty to look forward to during Children’s Hospice Week.

“Many of our employees are extremely excited about their plans and have come up with some fantastic ideas to raise money. We hope lots of people enjoy the activities they have organised and contribute to another successful week of fundraising.

“We are all inspired by the work of Together for Short Lives and are determined to meet our ambitious target of raising £50,000 this year. Most importantly, we know every penny we raise ends up helping the people who need it most.”

Together for Short Lives is the UK charity that speaks out for all children and young people who are expected to have short lives. Together with the 54 children’s hospice services across the UK, they provide care and support to these children and their families, helping them have as fulfilling lives as possible and the very best care at the end of life.

Nick Appleby, corporate fundraising manager at Together for Short Lives, said: “We are delighted with Leaders’ enthusiasm for Children’s Hospice Week and the commitment that the team have already shown to the charity. Their support will help us raise much-needed funds for thousands of seriously ill children and their families who rely on the vital care provided by local children’s hospice services across the country.”

Liz Searle, chief executive of Keech Hospice Care, added: “We are thrilled Leaders will be raising money which will help us to provide vital care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. As the children’s hospice for Hertfordshire, Keech Hospice Care needs £14,000 a day to keep the hospice running. This vital funding helps us to continue the great work we do not only at the hospice but out across schools, homes and hospitals in Hertfordshire. People are often surprised to hear that as a charity, we rely on local support and donations for 70 per cent of our funding.

Leaders first named Together for Short Lives as its Charity of the Year in 2015 and raised £45,000 for the organisation last year.

To support Leaders’ fundraising click here.