A LONG-time supporter of Manorlands has given the hospice a boost to help with its work during the coronavirus crisis.

Label and packaging company OPM Group has donated £7,000 to the Sue Ryder hospice.

The Leeds-based firm has also made a fundraising pledge to recoup some of the money Manorlands lost through the cancellation of this summer’s annual Coniston Challenge Day, an event that last year coined-in over £50,000.

And the group, which has taken part in the challenge day at Coniston Cold for more than a decade, is urging other companies to give their backing.

An online fundraising page has been set-up, at justgiving.com/fundraising/opmgroupconiston20, with a target of £51,270 – the exact amount raised through last year’s event.

Susan Ellison, joint managing director at OPM Group, said: “Covid-19 has been devastating for Manorlands hospice which is facing a huge funding shortfall because events such as the Coniston Challenge Day have been cancelled.

“We were delighted to present the hospice with a donation and we hope that other companies will step-up and help us reach our fundraising target.”

It costs £10,000 a day to keep Manorlands’ doors open, and only a small part is covered by statutory funding.