CHILDREN with life-limiting illnesses can now enjoy their very own wildlife garden thanks to their hospice's partnership with an Ilkley estate agency.

Linley and Simpson has raised £26,000 over the year for its chosen charity Martin House Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa.

The company's support included a volunteering programme which saw staff transform spare land in the picturesque grounds into a haven of peace for families. The garden also encompasses a thriving habitat for declining species - such as butterflies, bees and hedgehogs.

The agency, which has 11 branches across North and West Yorkshire, including Ilkley and Horsforth, staged more than 20 fundraising events over the year.

It was spearheaded by a challenge which saw staff conquer 20 of the Lake District’s toughest peaks, in just 13 hours – an ascent the equivalent of two Ben Nevis climbs.

Other events included a Cash for Clutter campaign, where branches acted as collection points for more than 80 bags of unwanted bric-a-brac to be sold through the hospice’s shops network.

Director Will Linley said: "Everyone in the community knows someone whose lives have been touched by the work of Martin House and this proved the inspiration for us.

"It did not matter if you could paddle, climb, run or cycle – there was an event 'home grown' from within our staff talent pool for everyone, whatever their skill or ability.

"If you were a budding Mary Berry, you could bake; if you had green-fingers you could garden; or you could simply wear a Christmas jumper.

"I would like to thank everyone – colleagues, customers and suppliers - who joined us on our journey. This propelled us past our previous fund-raising total for Martin House and we have now raised over £50,000 to support its work."

The garden was created with the help of one of the estate agency's garden service suppliers, Nick Palmer, of Harrogate-based The Garden Keeper, and the hospice’s maintenance manager, Matthew Ward.

All Linley and Simpson staff are awarded one day of paid work time to spend away from the office and instead volunteer at Martin House.