Hunnaball Family Funeral Group has presented a cheque to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for £1,925 following a year of fundraising.

EACH was the chosen main charity last year for the firm’s Ipswich-based branches, with fundraising events including a charity fashion show and a “light a candle” initiative which received generous donations from the public.

Melanie Hunnaball said: “2016 saw our Dove House branch in Norwich Road celebrating 20 years of service to Ipswich. To commemorate this landmark year, we decided to organise some special events and to support a local charity.

“The children’s hospice was chosen as it relies on the generosity and efforts of people and fundraising events to help build precious memories for families looking after very sick children, and supporting their families at such difficult times.”

She added: “With such fantastic support from the staff and the generosity of those who have attended our fundraising events, what we have achieved is outstanding, not only through the fantastic contribution towards the work of the children’s hospice, but also in raising much needed awareness of the wonderful work they do.”

Victoria Matthews, EACH Suffolk corporate fundraiser, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Hunnaball Family Funeral Directors for its ongoing support.

“Backing from the business community like this is invaluable as it enables us to continue providing our vital services, including short-break care, end-of-life care and bereavement support, to children, young people and their families.”

Hunnaball Family Funeral Group has 12 branches in Suffolk and Essex, with the newest branch, in Spring Road, Ipswich, having opened in autumn 2016.