BARNSLEY Hospice now has the exclusive use of a Luton tail lift van across its charity shops after entering a long-term partnership with hire firm Arrow Self Drive.

The company’s contribution will allow the charity to increase the number of deliveries made each month, as well as provide more capacity for larger items to be sold to raise increased funds.

The hospice’s retail stores play a vital role in generating income for the charity, which has to raise more than £2m a year, in addition to a £1.6m grant from the NHS.

The van, which has been branded with the orange Barnsley Hospice logo, will be used to collect and deliver donations, such as large items of furniture, to and from the retail sites.

Retail manager of Barnsley Hospice Stephen Hatfield said: “Buying things from our shops, or donating good quality stock, is a great way of supporting the hospice and just as important as fund-raising. Up until now we have relied on an old Luton van, but this larger new Luton van gives us greater capacity to move around bulky items, and its tail lift will make it easier for our team to load and unload heavy furniture.

“The costs associated with running and maintaining a vehicle can be high and as a charity this would be a big financial burden, so we are delighted with the vehicle and servicing that Arrow Self Drive will provide through the partnership. We thank Arrow Self Drive for their support at a crucial time of growth for us.”

Louise Ramsbottom, manager at Arrow Self Drive Barnsley, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the hospice in this way. Like most local companies, we have, in the past, helped the hospice through the odd hire here and there and through our fund-raising tea parties.

“We hope that by extending our support and providing them with a dedicated vehicle long term will make a real difference to them. Supporting our local communities is a key aim of the company and we will continue to help wherever we can.”