Global Radio’s Heart stations have raised more than £330,000 for Children’s Hospices UK through last week’s Have a Heart appeal.
Stars including Matt Cardle, Helen Mirren, Olly Murs and Dermot O’Leary were among those joining the station’s annual fundraising drive.
By Friday drivetime, the total raised had hit £337,563 – with income via everything from treks and cake-baking to an on-air auction featuring money-can’t-buy prizes. Among the items were £6,000 paid for a luxury holiday to Antigua and a day out at Thorpe Park with X Factor star Olly Murs which raised £3,800.
Celebrating its second year, Have a Heart aims to improve the lives of children living in the communities to which Heart broadcasts. By supporting Children’s Hospices UK this year, it aims to provide 28 hospices across the UK with a Mini and funding for nursing hours to deliver care and support to seriously ill children, young people and their families in the home.
Heart presenter Emma Bunton said: “The money raised will make a real difference to the lives of these precious children and their families across the UK. We’d like to say a massive thank you to all our listeners and guests for being so generous and making the Have a Heart Appeal 2011 such a success.”