THE Basingstoke branch of a self-storage company has announced that its annual Christmas charity appeal is now open.

Access Self Storage Basingstoke are inviting residents and businesses to drop off candles and toiletries for St Michael’s Hospice until Friday, December 9.

Established in 1991, St Michael’s Hospice was set up with a simple mission, to offer a choice and understanding of the complex condition of the dying.

Over the past 25 years, the hospice has cared for more than 12,500 patients and currently leads the provision of the highest quality of palliative care through North Hampshire.

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For this year’s campaign, Access Self Storage is collecting donations to gift to the nurses on the wards at the hospice to show them appreciation for all their hard work – especially following the past couple of years.

These donations can make a difference, especially at Christmas, so every donation will be welcomed by Access Self Storage Basingstoke.

Community engagement manager at St Michael’s Hospice Natalie Wiltshire said: “We are extremely grateful to Access Self Storage in Basingstoke for choosing to support St Michael's Hospice through their Christmas Appeal this year.

“It is a lovely gesture and fantastic to be able to compile some small hampers for our amazing staff, who will be working throughout the Christmas period to support the patients in our care.

“We receive only 15 per cent government funding, so every donation, whether great or small, really does matter to ensure we can continue to be there for people with life-limiting conditions in our community.”

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Access Self Storage Basingstoke manager Stuart Albert said: “We are so happy to be back and collecting for St Michael’s Hospice after a couple of years off for Covid-19.

“We feel a huge sense of loyalty to this charity, which works tirelessly to support our community at the toughest stage in their lives.

“We hope this year will be our biggest yet!”

All donations may be left at the reception of Access Self Storage Basingstoke, where they will be stored safely until they are delivered to St Michael’s Hospice.

In the previous eight years that the appeal has been running, more than 18,500 gifts have been collected for dozens of UK charities.