SHOPPERS and staff at Lewisham Shopping Centre have hit a fundraising target of £50,000 for an Eltham hospice.

From skydives to raffles and Christmas parties, the colossal sum has been drummed up over the past few years for Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

News Shopper: Richard Huntley pictured with other members of the fundraising team

Some of the cash has been used to buy and maintain a minibus for families at the hospice to go on outings and create memories together.

The shopping centre, which has a permanent 'wishing well' for donations, became involved after security guard Richard Huntley’s nephew died from cerebral palsy at just five years old.

Mr Huntley’s family received care and support from the hospice and he has since been awarded an MBE for his fundraising efforts.

Lewisham Shopping Centre’s centre manager Paul Redden said: "We are thrilled to have raised over £50,000 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

"We hope our partnership with the charity has helped raise awareness of Demelza’s incredible work in the community."

He went on to thank shoppers for their generosity and says the centre will continue to raise money for the hospice.

Community fundraiser at Demelza Hospice Care for Children Emma Rowe added: “The partnership has been a fantastic success and we would like to thank Lewisham Shopping Centre and the local community for all of the support they have provided Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

"The huge amount that has been raised so far is indispensable for helping to continue the care provided by the hospice.”