Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is asking people to get creative in the kitchen and take part in a month of foodie fundraising this October.

The charity is urging supporters to host a Cook Eat Give event for friends and family and ask guests to make a donation in return.

The new fundraising initiative will help CHSW support more than 500 children with life-limiting conditions and their families at its three children’s hospices across the south west, including at Little Harbour in St Austell.

Sarah Stott, fundraising manager at Little Harbour, said: “Cook Eat Give is a really easy way for people to get involved in fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West. Everyone loves a foodie get together – whether it’s a barbecue, pizza night or themed dinner party, the choice is yours and you can enjoy your food with the knowledge that you are helping us to support local children and families.

“We hope people will join us this October but if that date isn’t suitable, people can host a Cook Eat Give anytime. Every meal, however large or small, will make a big difference.”

Mealtimes are a big part of life at the charity’s three children’s hospices. During their short stays at the hospice, all families eat lunch and dinner together around a large dining table alongside hospice staff.

For many families, eating a hot, home cooked meal together is a rarity due to the care demands on parents alongside their hectic routines. During mealtimes families forge relationships with staff and other families also supported by the hospice, while siblings also make long lasting friendships.

Kerry Hollingsworth, cook at Little Harbour, said: “The word hospice initially for families is very scary, so when they are here and they come for their first visit it’s really lovely for them all to come to the kitchen and dining room, its where everyone sits down and eats together, and they can form some really good friendships and share experiences with one and other.”

If you would like to find out more information about CHSW’s new Cook Eat Give foodie fundraiser, visit www.chsw.org.uk/cook or call Little Harbour on 01726 871800 to speak to a member of the fundraising team.