A CHILDREN’S hospice near Winchester has received more than £60,000 from a group of Surrey-based volunteers.

The Camberley-based Southern Counties team of Redrow Homes has chosen Naomi House and Jacksplace as part of its year-long charity challenge as part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Together they raised £61,692.50 by taking part in a whole host of daredevil stunts as well as giving the Eastleigh shop a makeover – which included a visit from TV’s Nick Knowles.

The group abseiled down Spinnaker Tower, cycled 13 hours between Redrow developments and took part in the Great South Run.

Their efforts earned Redrow the Outstanding Corporate Supporter Award at the Naomi House Corporate Charity Awards.

Paul Morgan, head of fundraising at Naomi House, said: “Naomi House relies heavily on donations from companies like Redrow and we’re extremely grateful for their support. The donation will help us to care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, but it doesn’t end there.

"Following the makeover by Redrow staff we’ve seen an increase in turnover at out Eastleigh charity shop – it’s a gift that keeps on giving, making Redrow worthy recipients of outstanding corporate supporter award.”

John Allan, managing director for Redrow Homes (Southern Counties), added: “Naomi House provides a much needed service for the local community and so supporting the hospice as part of our 40th anniversary charity challenge was an easy choice to make.

“The whole team really got into the spirit of it with many members of staff lending a hand with the shop makeover; Julie Davies and Fred Veevers abseiled down Spinnaker Tower; our land team spent 13 hours in the saddle cycling between our developments in Woodley, Bracknell, Wilton and Waterlooville, finishing in Lymington; while senior project manager took part in the Great South Run.

“We also held a charity ball with raffle and auction and sold some of our showhome furniture.”