OVER £11,000 has been raised by a Bridgwater-based business to grant the dreams of young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Nursery toys company Hippychick donated a cheque worth £11,029 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

The amount was raised through various fundraising activities, profits derived from two of the company, and voluntary checkout donations from customers.

Amongst the fundraising activities included two members of the Hippychick team, Tracy and Michelle, sky-diving from a plane at 15,000 feet, raising a total of £1,500.

Julia Minchin, Hippychick founder and managing director, said: “We have always been committed to charitable concerns and given the nature of our business, Make-A-Wish seemed like a perfect fit. We are absolutely thrilled at the sum we have raised for such a great cause.”

Claire Escott, representative of Make-A-Wish who accepted the cheque, said: “We are thrilled that Hippychick raised an incredible £11,029 through various activities for Make-A-Wish. This year we want to grant 1,000 wishes so their support really is invaluable.”