THE region's only children's hospice, Little Havens, has been boosted by a donation of £14,445 from DP World at London Gateway port which was raised by gifts from customers, staff and DP World match funding.

London Gateway usually holds an annual quiz night in aid of charity but due to restrictions this year the company made the donation after holding its own collection.

The company's last quiz night in 2019 raised £47,250 for its two chosen charities Little Havens and Meningitis Now with over 400 people attending.

Andrew Bowen, Port Operations Director at DP World London Gateway said: "We're thrilled that in such difficult times our customers and suppliers continued to dig deep to help those most in need.

"Despite being unable to hold our annual charity quiz due to coronavirus restrictions we still managed to raise just short of £12,000 in donations, matched by us to provide the same amount to Little Havens and another charity we support.

"My personal thanks go to Liz Beaney and Lesleyann Beardwell here at the port, who worked their magic to make this happen.

"Helping local charities like Little Havens is so important to us at DP World London Gateway. We're in total admiration of all that Havens Hospices have done to care for people, especially the children and young people at Little Havens, and to help the NHS throughout the pandemic and in the months ahead."

Lydia Plews, Senior Business Development Officer at Havens Hospices said: "Thank you so much to everyone at DP World London and their customers and suppliers who contributed to the collection - this is such an incredible donation which will make such a huge difference to all the families we care for.

"Our free hospice care can only exist because of the support and generosity from businesses like theirs and it so heart-warming to know that they are still thinking of the charity during these tough times. We hope that we can join them again soon once it is safe to do so for another incredible quiz night so we can continue to raise money towards our specialist hospice care for babies, children and young people across Essex."

Little Havens is a part of Havens Hospices which also includes Fair Havens and The J's. The charity provides palliative and supportive care to those living with a complex or incurable condition, either within the hospices or in the community. All its care is free of charge but can only continue thanks to the kindness and generosity of its supporters.

To find out more about how Havens Hospices are 'Making every day count' for the people in their care, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk.