FROM lone stalwarts to whole families of fundraisers, Sobell House Hospice has earned a wealth of support from the community.

Corporate fundraisers are crucial to this network of allies, and one such company has hit its donations target after two years of service.

A head shave and half marathon were among a string of events staged by Darke & Taylor last year, generating more than £10,000 for the Headington hospice.

The electrical company, based in Long Hanborough in West Oxfordshire, embraced a challenge to raise the sum within four years.

Having hit five figures halfway through, it has pledged to persevere.

Tanya Webb, compliance and operations at the firm, said: "Obviously we won't stop there and will continue to fundraise for the remaining two years - you never know, we might even double it."

Raising £10,000 in four years is asked of members of the 40 Club - Sobell's group of corporate sponsors in Oxfordshire.

Mrs Webb said: "Sobell approached us about joining the 40 Club and we already had ties.

"Some staff members used Sobell for end-of-life care, so it means quite a lot to us."

She said the company had already supported other charities but wanted to 'spread the love'.

She added: "It's such a fantastic charity and what they do is just amazing. The support people get there - I just can't put it into words.

"It plays such an important role in our community and we've really been delighted to be able to support them."

During the year Mrs Webb and colleague Simon Newton, commercial director at the company, visited the hospice's base at the Churchill Hospital site.

She said: "The people there are so lovely. It really touched our hearts."

She said she was moved to tears after reading the Sobell House Memorial Book, which is kept in the hospice's on-site chapel and invites people to write down memories about loved ones.

Darke & Taylor secured its fundraising success with a calendar of events including bake sales, dress-down days, a race night and raffle.

A team took part in the Virgin Sport Oxford Half Marathon in October, and in December Darke & Taylor employee Callum Joliffe went under the razor for a sponsored head shave.

The challenge saw Mr Joliffe, a CAD apprentice at the company, raise £700 in just 24 hours.

Mrs Webb said more fundraisers would be planned in 2018.

She said: "It's our 60th anniversary this year, which is quite exciting for the company.

"We'll be celebrating that over the summer and part of that will be about raising more money."

The 40 Club offers companies the chance to network and build team spirit in exchange for their fundraising efforts.

Other members include Oxford Bus Company, Templar's Square Shopping Centre and Jennings.

Our £40k campaign

HELP us support the great work of Sobell House by joining our mission to fund 100 days of care.

The Oxford Mail wants to generate £40,000 to help those who work tirelessly to comfort some of Oxfordshire’s most poorly patients.

To donate to the campaign please visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/shhc/oxmailsobellappeal