The Yorkshire & North Derbyshire region was the recipient of this year’s Congress gift, which will be donated to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Doncaster.

The hospice is for children who are terminally ill or have life shortening conditions and provides respite and palliative care to provide quality of life for children in the final stages of their lives.

The hospice has just been built and this has been achieved almost exclusively from trusts, grants and pledges with only a 3% grant from the Government.

Receiving the cheque for £5,060.00 hospice fundraising manager, Rebecca Williams said ‘This will really make a difference to the last days of some wonderful young lives.  The GMB’s most generous gift will buy such essentials as a ball pool in the soft play area and 3 hoists to move the children around in comfort.’

Pam Hughes, Regional President commented ‘Our region is very honoured to receive the Congress 2007 gift and all the delegates agreed that there could not be a better cause to which to donate it.’

Tim Roache, GMB Regional Secretary added ‘This is yet another example of the wonderful things our union does in the community.  Our region’s branches and ordinary members have given generously to what is obviously the worthiest of all causes. I am so proud in my region to be presenting this cheque to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and know it will make a massive difference to young people for many years to come.’