Estate agent's plea for businesses to give tenth of their fees to 'wonderful' hospice

Since launching his philanthropic idea last year, Iain Bainbridge has raised £1,343 for local charities including St John's Hospice, Lancaster, whose doctors and nurses have cared for seriously ill patients across South Lakeland and north Lancashire for 30 years.

"It's a wonderful resource for the community and I think it's outrageous that they need to rely so heavily on fundraising," he said. "Local businesses that generate their profits from local people should be happy to do something like this."

Iain, 42, runs Scott Bainbridge Residential Sales and Lettings with wife Hannah, in Kendal's Market Place. He has attracted support from the likes of Paul Rodman at Kendal Wills, and Stu Parkin of Lakes Flooring Solutions, Kendal, and is urging more companies to step forward and give ten per cent of their fees to worthy causes. Iain is also keen to attract a high-profile business to match the total.

"I want to raise a lot more money. I think local communities should be throwing money at hospices because they are so precious," said the father-of-one, who came up with the idea when his son George's primary school was looking for ways to raise funds.

Iain, who has multiple sclerosis, is 'passionately in favour' of hospice care for people in the later stages of life. He greatly admires the staff of St John's and the comfort they give to patients and families.

Catherine Butterworth, the hospice's head of fundraising, expressed gratitude for the scheme. "Without the help of local business and our local community St John’s Hospice would not survive," she told the Gazette. "We have to raise 70 per cent of our running costs through fundraising which equates to around £7,000 every day."

She added: "While our supporters might never get to meet our patients, on behalf of them ‘thank you’ from all at St John’s."

To join Iain's scheme, phone 01539-725496 or email office@scottbainbridge.co.uk