A CHILDREN'S hospice has received more than £4,000 after funding was raised at a popular Lyme Regis event.

Hundreds took the plunge on New Year's Day in the annual Lyme Lunge event organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis.

The group has now donated £4,500 to the Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) from the event's proceeds as well as a grant from a regional group of Rotary clubs.

Rotary president John Bartlett said: "All the sponsorship monies have now been collected, and a grant from Rotary District 1200 received, so we are pleased to be able to present this donation to the CHSW.

“The aim of the hospice is to support children with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, and it strives to ensure that no family is more than an hour and a half away from its care.

"In addition to the children, mums, dads, brothers and sisters are all catered for, the hospice is a home away from home. Some families say it’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket - offering respite, emergency end-of-life and bereavement care.

Mr Bartlett added: "The average relationship time for a family with CHSW is seven to 10 years.

"Children go there from life limited diagnosis to end of life. It's about enabling and making time for families to be families, helping to make the most of short and precious lives.”

The donation will go towards a special chair specifically designed for children who are prone to rock repetitively.

Paula Garrett from CHSW took on the Lyme Lunge in January.

She said: "This generous donation from Rotary will be used specifically to purchase a hardrock chair and waterproof four-way sliding sheets for Little Bridge House in Devon.

“The hardrock chair helps support children who are not only life limiting but who also have challenging behaviour. Preventing the children from rocking, it keeps them safe and comfortable while feeding, and helps the care team engage them in everyday activities.

"It has an anti-rocking system and padding to prevent the children from hurting themselves and allows them to join in and be part of the CHSW family at Little Bridge House. The four-way sheets vastly improve the movement of immobilised patients, preventing distress and pressure sores and avoiding carer back strain when lifting heavy patients.

"Our sincere, heartfelt thanks to Rotary and the community of Lyme Regis for their support and generosity.”