More than £11,000 has been raised in memory of an eight-year-old from Bristol who died of a rare brain tumour.

Staff at Severn Valley, based in Portishead, fundraised throughout 2019 in honour of Ben Pritchard, who passed away in 2017. The team raised a whopping £11,286.40, of which £5,286.40 has gone to The Benjamin Pritchard Foundation – Be More Ben, which provides reliable and informal support to bereaved parents. The remaining £6,000 has been donated to Children's Hospice South West Charlton Farm Bristol where it is ring fenced for bereavement care.

Persimmon’s kind-hearted staff took part in numerous activities and events to raise the cash, including dress down days, a Bake Off style challenge and raffles. Furniture from showhomes was also sold. Persimmon surveyor Rob Berry, meanwhile, completed a series of challenges – including cycling Coast to Coast 150 miles in a day, Ride for Precious Lives 205 miles over three days and a six-hour cycleathon at Waitrose Portishead – to boost the total significantly.

Carly Spear, head of sales at Severn Valley, said: “We are delighted to support both charities. “We chose to fundraise in memory of Ben Pritchard because his inspirational parents and their determination to help others really struck a chord with our team. “I’m incredibly proud of the team for raising over £11,000. Staff took part in a host of events and everyone got involved. It was a fantastic effort and I’m sure the money will be put to good use.”

A spokesperson for The Benjamin Pritchard Foundation – Be More Ben charity, said: “The donation will be used to further support bereaved parents and families by providing vital support networks and offering ongoing services such as counselling. “We are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes’ Severn Valley office for their support.” Persimmon Homes Severn Valley also donates up to £2,000 each month to local causes across the region through its Community Champion initiative.

The scheme began in 2015, allowing charities and groups to apply for funding up to the value of £1,000. Persimmon is currently building stunning homes right across the Severn Valley region, including in Bristol and Gloucester.