A CHARITY is hoping for a late present from Santa as it seeks out £20,000 in unpaid sponsorship.

Staff at Keech Hospice Care are urging those who took part in a series of running events last year to send in their fundraising money.

Events including a December Santa Run at Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage are expected to raise £95,000 for the hospice but so far £75,000 has been received.

Clare Bestall-Philips, event organiser at the hospice, which cares for those with life-limiting illnesses, said: “The response so far has been fantastic but we still have a long way to go. We’d like to stress that every penny sent in will go to the patients and their families who are supported by our doctors, nurses and care teams who work closely with them every day of the year.”

Fundraising director Jo Chettleburgh added: “If you promised a friend or colleague some sponsorship money, please remember to pay up and help. This is hugely important and we need to make sure that every penny possible gets to the charity so it can continue its vital work. A donation of £50 will help pay for the doctor support needed for a patient in our adult in-patient unit for 24 hours.”

For more information visit www.keech.org.uk