A HAMPSHIRE charity dedicated to providing care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses is being backed this year by a county-based accountancy firm.

Mountbatten Hampshire, the county’s oldest and largest hospice, has been named as charity of the year by business and tax advisers HWB Accountants.

The Chandler’s Ford-based firm will fundraise and offer practical support for Mountbatten, which has served the community for more than 45 years.

Activities will involve HWB staff taking part in skydives, marathons, tough mudder runs and volunteering activities.

HWB director Michaela Johns said: “Mountbatten, the overwhelming choice in our in-house poll for the firm’s charity, delivers 24/7 expert care and support to people experiencing death, dying and bereavement. 

READ MORE: River Coffee Roasters: Winchester business improving coffee in city

“The charity currently supports around 1,000 families every day, and the demand for its vital services is predicted to rise by 40 per cent in the next 18 months.

“Mountbatten gives patients and their families choices about the care they receive, providing the highest quality nursing, medical, and therapeutic care.

“This is both within the hospice and in people's homes across Southampton city and large parts of Hampshire, supporting the physical, social, and psychological needs of patients and their loved ones."

Kim Dowling, Mountbatten’s head of income generation, said: “We are indebted to HWB for choosing us as the firm’s charity of choice. Corporate partnership such as this is vital for us.

“It costs £10 million every year to keep our services running, and we rely on charitable support to fund our 24/7 services 365 days a year to the people who need us.

“Our services are free of charge to all who need us, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community, as well as our incredible volunteers who give their time to support the best possible care for local people living the last years of their life.”