A KENDAL estate agent is hoping small donations can make a big difference to a worthy causes.

Iain Bainbridge, who runs Scott Bainbridge estate and lettings agents in Market Place, wants to inspire local business owners to donate 10 per cent of their fees to St John's Hospice.

The hospice needs to raise £7,000 every day to cover its running costs – and Ian's idea already has several companies signed-up.

Lakeland Mortgage Centre, Sensible Prints, Pennine Timber Frame, Kendal WIlls and Chetham Architecture have pledged to donate 10 per cent of their fees this year.

Iain said: "I am trying to encourage people to make a 10 per cent donation because that is meaningful. I don't want a token gesture, I want something significant.

"I hope other estate agents will join in. All I'm bothered about is generating as much money as possible for the charity.

"We've got six or seven businesses on board and if they each donate 10% of their fee that's a lot of money and it means that St John's can get on with their work."

The Gazette spoke to St John's Hospice's head of fundraising, Catherine Butterworth, who is overjoyed at the generosity of the South Lakeland business owners.

She said: “We are so grateful for this wonderful gesture.

"Without the help of local business and our local community St. John’s Hospice would not survive.

"We have to raise 70% of our running costs through fundraising which equates to around £7,000 every day.

"Although our hospice is located in Lancaster, a lot of our services are provided in the South Lakes with our Hospice at Home Nurses.

"This money means we can continue to provide care for patients and families all over the South Lakes.

"Thank you so much.”

For more information on how to get involved in the local philanthropy, contact Iain Bainbridge on 01539 725496.