A popular confectionary shop in Penrith has raised £800 for charity thanks to a tin collection.

The Toffee Shop has been a stalwart of the Penrith high street since 1910 when Mrs Annie Furnass opened up the original Toffee Shop on King Street.

Fast forward to 2022 and Kathryn Graves took over from Neil Boustead to be the steward of this Penrith institution, protecting the secret recipe which has delighted people all over the world, including the late Queen Elizabeth and HM King Charles III.

Kathryn and The Toffee Shop came on board as a business partner for Hospice at Home in 2023, where she provided raffle prizes and favours for fundraising events throughout that year. Now in 2024 Hospice at Home are grateful to receive a donation of £800 from The Toffee Shop.

The donation came from patrons to the shop, via a collection tin, and when purchasing online, patrons have the option to add to their order with a donation of £1, £2 or a custom amount.

Jenny Urwin, Hospice at Home fundraiser, said: "The generosity of The Toffee Shop customers just goes to show how a little donation can soon mount up and make a difference within the community. To get this support from Kathryn and The Toffee Shop is yet another example of the exemplary community spirit shown in Cumbria. Money raised within Cumbria, for Cumbrians to have the choice to have hospice care within the home. Thank you to Kathryn and to all of her generous customers."

Kathryn Graves, owner of The Toffee Shop, said: "At The Toffee Shop, we work hard to support our fantastic local community, through charitable contributions, local sponsorship and in the wider growth of the town. Hospice at Home is such a worthwhile charity we are happy to support them."

Hospice at Home are looking for local businesses to support their services within the community. There are lots of ways to do this, from a tin by a till, give a day volunteering from staff, to donations of skills, time and money. The charity is grateful for any assistance received.