Businesses in Newport are putting their weight behind the Shropshire Star’s Hope House Corporate Challenge in memory of a much-loved little girl who died recently at one of the charity’s hospices.

Lucy Edwards – known throughout the town as Princess Lucy – died last month at Hope House Children’s Hospices’ centre in Morda, near Oswestry, after a nine-year battle with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Rachel and Martyn Edwards, her parents, were overwhelmed with the level of local support they received from the local community during Lucy’s lifetime, and the help they received with fundraising for Hope House, which Lucy visited regularly for respite care.

Mrs Edwards, who raised more than £4,000 for Hope House with a Snowflake Ball at Ford Hall in Lilleshall in July said: “People in Newport really took the nine-year-old to their hearts and were quick to help with all our fundraising in the past.

“If Lucy’s memory can also live on through the Hope House Corporate Challenge then this is great.”

Already 42 businesses across the county have signed up for the corporate challenge, whereby 50 companies will be given £50 and challenged to “grow” the money with staff fundraising during September, October and November.

Every penny raised will help Hope House to provide support to terminally-ill local children and their families through respite care at home and in the Oswestry hospice, and also counselling for families who have lost their child.

In Newport the Sweet Cafe, Lutine Bell, Kocoon Hair Studio and Wycherleys Finefoods have signed up for the challenge. Wycherleys was a favourite of Lucy’s, and owners Liz and Tony Minshall are planning to run a hamper raffle as their contribution to the challenge.

Mrs Edwards said: “Lucy used to love going to her favourite table in the cafe.”

She added: “We hope the Corporate Challenge does really well.”

There are just eight places remaining in the Corporate Challenge. To take part, e-mail fundraising@hopehouse.org.uk or call (01691) 671671.

The challenge will start on September 1, when all companies taking part will be invited to the Shropshire Star headquarters in Ketley, Telford, to receive their £50 stakes.

By Lisa Rowley