SOUTHAMPTON colleagues have raised £12k for a children’s charity “close to their hearts”.

Co-operative retail store staff have been fundraising for Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity since last year.

They have run many events including cake sales, funding donations, face painting and a fancy dress which has helped raise a total of £12,000.

The store manager at Southampton’s city gateway, Dean Millar, has been the driving force behind supporting the charity after all three of his children were born at its sister hospital Princess Anne.

He said: “

Over the last few years, I have encouraged our other Southampton stores to get involved with the hospital and we have gone from just one store supporting them to four.

“We have got a really good relationship with the hospital charity –it is always good to raise awareness of their special cause. It really is a special place which means so much to so many people.”

Last year he took part in the ABP 10k run and the Great South Run but he is already planning to do one better with the ABP half-marathon coming up in May.

The stores which supported Southampton Children’s Hospital included Archers Road, City Gateway, Commercial Road, and West End’s High Street.

Jeneen Thomsen, head of major gifts at Southampton Hospital Charity, said: “Thank you to all the stores and colleagues for choosing the appeal, for helping to raise awareness of our vision and to raising a incredible amount to help us get to our goal.

“We have all loved working with such committed and enthusiastic team and hope to continue working together to help bring the very best to those who need it across the south.”