A DARLINGTON shopping centre is encouraging its customers to spend a penny as part of a charity fundraising drive.

The Cornmill Shopping Centre will host a week-long fundraising event Spend a Penny to Raise a Penny, starting on Monday (May 20) and ask customers to make an optional donation when using the public toilets in the centre.

The event will raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice, to support its Hospice at Home, day therapy, in-patient care and family support services. Susan Young, centre manager at the Cornmill, said: “Although we’ve supported St Teresa’s Hospice for many years now, this is our first event that’s part of a concerted drive over the next few months to raise even more valuable funds for this important local charity.

“All donations are completely optional but we’re hoping the people of Darlington give generously to help support a really worthwhile cause.”

The fundraising drive has been made extra poignant as longstanding Cornmill employee, Russell Longstaff, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and is himself receiving support from St Teresa’s.

“We really wanted to show our support to Russell and his family during this difficult time,” added Ms Young.