A SHOPPING centre is launching a fundraising drive in aid of a hospice, in memory of a much-missed member of staff.

The Cornmill Centre, Darlington, last year raised more than £3,000 for St Teresa’s Hospice after it provided care to long-standing employee Russell Longstaff before his death last June.

Centre staff will this week embark on a fundraising drive to raise further funds for the charity.

On Saturday (June 14), ‘Spend a Penny to Raise a Penny’ will return to the shopping centre with customers invited to make an optional donation when using the public toilets in the centre.

Centre manager Susan Young said: "The centre has been a long-term supporter of St Teresa’s Hospice, however we were really keen to push our fundraising efforts even further to show our support to Russell during his illness last year.

St Teresa’s Hospice provides at-home, day therapy, in-patient care and family support services to people across South Durham and North Yorkshire.

The charity supported Mr Longstaff and his family after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December 2012.

For more information about the care and services provided by St Teresa’s Hospice, call 01325-254321.