A DONATION given in memory of a colleague has helped the Countess of Brecknock purchase fans for hospice patients.

The Nationwide Building Society awarded a £4,999 community grant to the Andover hospice in memory of employee Karen Millward, and one of its customer representatives Claire Strong also completed a tandem sky dive to raise some extra cash.

The colleagues’ combined fundraising from the Winchester branch, where Karen worked, was also presented to the hospice in a cheque for £3,416.

Claire said: “Karen and a family member of another colleague was lovingly looked after at this very special place.

“As a branch, we are dedicating all our fundraising for 2018 to the hospice.”

The money paid for ten Dyson hot and cold fans which the hospice said will provide vital heating and cooling resources for patients while undergoing treatment as their body temperatures vary “radically” throughout.

Sarah Connell from Nationwide said: “Karen had a thing about air conditioning so it seems appropriate that we’ve bought hot and cold fans in her memory!”