People working for Morrisons – which has stores in Ringwood, Verwood and Parkstone as well as Blandford, New Milton and Weymouth – can help to boost the coffers of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice if they vote for Together for Short Lives as their new charity partner.

Out of more than 100 charities to apply, Together for Short Lives is the only charity supporting the UK’s 54 children’s hospices, and it has made it into the final two charities to be the Morrisons’ charity partner. The result will be decided by a 10-day staff vote and the winning charity will enter a three-year partnership aiming to raise around £10 million.

Julia’s House corporate fundraiser, Caroline Attreed said: “A partnership with Morrisons, and the money raised, would be transformational for Julia’s House and our care for local families who are looking after a seriously ill child 24/7. We would love everyone who works for Morrisons, to choose Together for Short Lives as their next charity partner in the staff vote.  A vote for Together for Short Lives is a vote for Julia’s House.”

Andy Fletcher, chief executive at Together for Short Lives said: “Families of seriously ill children are pushed to their limits every day. Their local children’s hospice provides them with the time and space they need to make precious memories that last a lifetime – the chance to be parents, not carers. At the same time, children’s hospices are struggling to meet demand, as the number of seriously ill children in the UK is growing, meaning more families are having to cope alone. A partnership with Morrisons will make good things happen – enabling hospices to provide lifeline support to even more families who need them right in the heart of our community.”