The partnership with Little Havens children’s hospice has been up and running for almost a decade.

MKM Chelmsford has raised more than £10,000 for Little Havens children’s hospice, part of the wider Essex-based Havens Hospices, in a partnership that has been up and running for almost a decade.

Branch Directors Mark Ward and Alan Boyd, along with the rest of the team at MKM Chelmsford, have hosted charity events, dinners and embarked on unusual activities to raise significant donations.

The team has organised events hosted at Chelmsford City Football Club, with guest speakers including former England World Cup winner Martin Peters and ex-West Ham players Tony Cottee and Tony Gayle. The events, which usually include a charity auction of sporting memorabilia, food, drink and a DJ, have been well attended and raised significant funds for the hospice.

Ward said: “It’s my genuine privilege to be able to support Little Havens. It is an amazing support network that works so hard for the children and families around Essex. The facilities it offers are impressive, you visit presuming what you might see at a hospice and it just isn't close, it's a positive, high-energy place that does so much to support people through what can be a difficult time.

“The events we’ve held at Chelmsford City Football Club are a definite highlight of our fundraising efforts and we’ve always had such a fantastic response. Most of the 100 plus tickets sell out in-branch before we have to do any advertising outside of the store. I think that goes to show how much the charity matters to our staff and customers, and how everyone here supports the local and wider community.”

Rachel Hawksworth, Area Lead for Havens Hospices, said: “Support from people like the MKM Chelmsford team is invaluable as we must raise more than £52,000 each week to be there for every baby, child and teenager who needs us. The need for hospices and the care they offer is increasing, though, throughout COVID-19, donations have unfortunately but understandably decreased."