A BUILDING society has forged a fundraising partnership with an Oxford children’s hospice.

Staff at Newbury Building Society’s branches in Abingdon and Didcot have pledged to support Helen & Douglas House this year.

The charity supports children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, partly through its East Oxford base in Magdalen Road.

Its community fundraiser Alison Stone said she was ‘delighted’ the cause had been chosen as their charity of the year.

Didcot and Abingdon building society branch manager Sonja Roostan said: “It is a fantastic charity, supplying great palliative care at a high level for young people through medical expertise, nursing expertise, emotional and practical support.

“The work and dedication that goes into the hospice is admirable, so we’d like to help out as much as possible.

“We have a number of volunteering and fundraising events planned, including a sponsored cycle this month in our branches.”

She said they would also take part in Helen & Douglas House’s annual Rainbow Run in June, as well as its Riverside Stomp walk in May.

Staff will also be volunteering in some of the hospice’s charity shops.