A CHARITY based in Micheldever Station is helping to fund respite days for care workers and frontline staff.

Tower House Horses has reached the second stage of this year’s Aviva Community Fund – but needs a further £11,140 to aid more than 100 people.

The charity is asking the public to get behind the NHS project.

CEO Susie Little said: “We could never have imagined that we would be launching our project with Aviva during these extraordinary times, but our original goal is now more important than ever.

“It’s fair to say that the sacrifice made by our care workers during this time has humbled us all and we would like nothing more than to give something back to them. They have worked tirelessly and selflessly to save and protect lives, and we want to make them feel special in return.

“Extra funding will make it possible for us to offer our unique, therapeutic support to tackle the negative of the virus on our NHS heroes. We couldn’t be more excited for the next stage.”

There will be a prize draw for those who pledge £100, with five donors winning a one-to-one session with the horses.

Those who pledge £500 have the chance to win an equine-assisted retreat day for themself and up to eight colleagues.

Jude Brooks, UK head of corporate social responsibility at Aviva, said: “We know that even the smallest charities can have a massive impact on building stronger communities. The ambition of the Aviva Community Fund is ‘teach a man to fish’ rather than ‘give a man a fish’.

"By focussing on training and coaching from Aviva’s people, as well as enabling fundraising we hope to help causes become more self-sustaining.

“We are extremely proud to support Tower House Horses and look forward to enabling them to bring ideas to life. By caring more about our community today we can all create a better future tomorrow, so we hope the local community feels inspired to support their crowdfunding campaign too.”