A HOUSING association has pledged to raise thousands of pounds for two local charities following a successful year-long fundraising drive.

The Vela Group has announced that staff will be raising money for Butterwick Hospice and Hartlepool & District Hospice throughout 2013.

The money to be raised over the next 12 months will be spent on providing help to people living with life limiting illnesses, relieving symptoms, enriching patients’ lives and supporting them and their loved ones.

Mike Clark, chairman of the Vela Group said: “We are delighted to be supporting these two charities which play such a vital role in our communities across Stockton and Hartlepool.”

Victoria Rogers, annual company adoption fundraiser at Butterwick Hospice said: “We are thrilled and overwhelmed that Vela has chosen us as one of their charities of the year. This makes us feel very special and we hope that everyone involved has a great time and lots of fun whilst helping to raise money.”

Carol Sennett, corporate fundraiser from Hartlepool & District Hospice said: “We are extremely grateful to have been chosen by Vela as their nominated Charity for 2013, and are delighted that the work we do for the local community of Hartlepool has been the inspiration for this.”

Both hospices provide services free of charge and rely heavily on voluntary contributions from the public.