A GOUROCK gift shop is running a £1,000 Christmas prize draw to raise money for a children’s charity which helps Inverclyde youngsters.

Pirate and Bluebelle is being supported by the 60 artists whose photographic and artistic prints and cards are sold in the Kempock Street gallery.

Owners Heather McCulloch and Nick Summers, pictured, said most of the artists have donated material, including original artwork — totalling around £1,000.

They decided to help Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) because a friend’s young girl is being helped by the charity.

Heather said: “We know how important the CHAS Robin House hospice in Balloch is to the family.

“CHAS do great work, so we were delighted when our artists supported the idea, and the public are responding well by buying raffle tickets.”

CHAS has been in operation for more than 20 years, offering a full family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. This includes palliative care, family respite and help through hospices, homecare services and support in hospital.

They have another hospice in Kinross, and their team care for youngsters in their own homes in between hospice visits or when they are to ill to travel.

The charity said they were very grateful to the shop for their support.

Samantha Riley, CHAS community fundraiser, said: “We want to thank Pirate and Bluebelle for their generosity and amazing fundraising efforts this Christmas, as well as thanking the local community for taking part in the festive art draw.

“The vital funds raised by local fundraisers like Pirate and Bluebelle help us to keep the joy alive for families across Scotland facing the most difficult time imaginable by ensuring that, no matter how short their time together may be, it is filled with happiness. This is particularly important at Christmas.”

Samantha added: “Three children die of a life-shortening condition every week in Scotland, and at present, we’re only reaching one of those families.

“We’re on a mission to reach every single one and bring comfort and joy to families this Christmas, and fundraising activities like these help us to reach more people and connect with new audiences to raise more much needed funds.”

Raffle tickets are on sale in the shop for £1 a strip, and the competition will run until December 16.

You can find out more about the CHAS Christmas appeal and make a donation by visiting www.chas.org.uk