A hospice in Woodford Green has received almost �70,000 from the Mayor of Waltham Forest.

Councillor Geoff Walker has raised �69,000 for Haven House in his year in the post.

The money was raised by events including a charity dinner, fun days, a ladies’ day and civic carol service.

Local faith groups, schools and organisations also donated to the fund and one councillor, Darshan Sungar, raised �2,811 by running the London Marathon.

Cllr Walker said; “I am delighted to have raised such a considerable sum for Haven House.

“The hospice helps so many children and families in Waltham Forest at a time when they need it most, and we are very fortunate to have this vital resource in our area.”

The funds will provide resources for the children’s hospice, including a year’s salary for a nurse, a six-month salary for a care support worker and a new sound beam for the music therapy unit.

Specialist toys and emergency equipment will also be bought.

Hospice chief executive Mike Palfremann expressed his gratitude for the “phenomenal” donation.