CHRISTMAS has come early for a Sutton Scotney children’s hospice thanks to a singing competition and the Government’s Autumn Statement announcement.

Naomi House and Jacksplace will get a cash boost from the X Factor winner’s single, with 100 per cent of the profits from each CD and download donated to Together for Short Lives, which works with the centre.

It is expected that £1 for each CD and 20p for downloads will be donated.

Paul Morgan, head of fundraising for Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “I’m thrilled that the children, young people and families in our care stand to benefit from the sale of this year’s X Factor single.

"Not only will the money raised provide a valuable boost to our fundraising efforts at this important time of year, but the exposure this partnership will generate can only help raise awareness of the crucial work undertaken by children’s hospices across the country.”

Barbara Gelb, chief executive of Together for Short Lives, added: “Our partnership with the X Factor continues to be transformational. Too many families struggle to cope with their child’s diagnosis and feel isolated and alone, not knowing who to turn to.

"Working with the X Factor has given Together for Short Lives a unique opportunity to reach out to thousands of families so they know that they are not alone.”

The Autumn Statement also gave the centre an early festive surprise. As of April 1 2015 UK charitable hospices will be given a refund worth over £4 million annually to cover VAT costs.

The rebate scheme means NHS providers can recover VAT on catering supplies, laundry and cleaning, staff training, vehicle costs, waste disposal, maintenance and repairs.

It has not previously been available.

Keith Wilson, of Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “This looks like a positive step and we certainly welcome this news. It has long been thought that reconsidering the VAT burden placed on hospices would be a good idea and we look forward to receiving more detail from HMRC and our colleagues at Hospice UK.

“It is too early to say how much this move may save us each year but suffice to say, any money we do save on our VAT bill will be ploughed back into the care of local life-limited children, young people and their families.”

  • The X-Factor single is available immediately after the winner is crowned at the final on December 14.