Staff from NatWest Bexleyheath Local Market celebrated the start of a charity partnership with Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice last month (October 23) at a special charity launch reception held at the Hospice on Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood.

Approximately 40 people attended the event including NatWest staff, families and friends to learn more about the hospice's work in the community and to meet the staff and volunteers.

The day marked the start of the charity partnership with the presentation of a cheque for £725 and the announcement of many upcoming fundraising activities which seven local branches will be taking part in including a fund-raising quiz night on November 6, a black tie gala ball, donate don’t dump days, cake sales, and all branches will promote the charity in store with pop-up banners and collection boxes.

Local NatWest CEO Lesley Dillon said she hopes the partnership will help to raise the profile of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in the local community.

“It's really important, as part of the Greenwich and Bexleyheath community that we do all we can to support those people around us and we wanted to support the work the hospice does for our local area as it's close to the hearts of so many of our local residents, customers and staff,” said Lesley. “As part of our Customer Charter we have promised to get out and volunteer in our community and I know everyone in my team has really enjoyed getting involved in the event today."

“Lesley has been instrumental in getting the ball rolling for our partnership with the NatWest,” said Rachel Williams from Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice: “We are going to be working with all seven branches in the Greenwich & Bexley region. We’re really excited about it.”

“It’s great to support a local charity,” said Lesley. “Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice sits at the heart of our community and it touches the lives of so many of our local residents, customers and staff. You never know when or how the hospice will touch you and we’re delighted to support its work.”

NatWest is working towards becoming Britain's most helpful bank and support for the local communities that its branches serve is a key part of that.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice will be supported by NatWest branches in Eltham, Blackheath, Bexleyheath, Dartford, Greenwich, Northumberland Heath and Sidcup.

Branches have already supported a fund-raising coffee morning, a sponsored head shave and Greenwich branch manager Faith Lees made a personal donation of £300 to lead the way for staff and customers.

“Today was a brilliant start to our charity partnership,” said Rachel. “We’re delighted.”

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice is a registered charity that provides free specialist end of life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families, friends and carers. It is the only adult hospice service in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley covering an area of 40 square miles and a population of 500,000 and relies on community support to continue its specialist care.

To find out more about Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice including details of how to support, visit www.communityhospice.org.uk