BARCLAYS Wealth has named Hospice Isle of Man as its charity of the year for 2011.

Each year staff are asked to nominate local charities which they feel deserve to be the recipients of Barclays Wealth fundraising efforts.

The charities that receive the most nominations are then asked to present to the charity committee which selects the charity of the year.

Mary Doyle, PR and marketing manager for Hospice Isle of Man, said: "We are delighted to have been selected as the Barclays Wealth charity of the year.

"Hospice cares for more than 350 patients per year at a cost of over £3.5million. The Department of Health provides a cash grant of £600,000 plus other ancillary items but we rely on fundraising initiatives to raise the remainder of the money needed to carry on caring for our patients and their families.

"The tremendous support of Barclays Wealth this year will help us to reach this target and we are delighted to be working with them."

Staff have planned a number of fundraising initiatives for the year including a team race night, Easter egg delivery service and a Parish Walk team.

Caroline Cornish, head of corporate affairs, will also take part in Well Chuffed - an event where 15 people sit on a train at Groudle Glen Railway for 12 hours of fundraising. Barclays Wealth will also make a donation to the Hospice Christmas Fair.

Stuart Nelson, chairman of the Barclays Wealth charity committee said: "Our staff are excited by the prospect of helping to raise money for such a worthwhile local charity.

"As well as the events outlined in this announcement we are hoping to plan many more activities throughout the year to help boost funds.

"As an employer we feel it is important to support the fundraising efforts of our staff through a number of initiatives including a £ for £ scheme and allowances for people who volunteer their time to help raise money for worthwhile causes. I am proud to be part of an organisation that is so active in its local fundraising."

Hospice Isle of Man was set up almost 28 years ago and provides specialist palliative care for patients and their families facing life-limiting and life threatening illness. The charity also runs a children's wing called Rebecca House which look after 25 children.

Photo Caption: L to R: Sophie Hancox from Barclays Wealth, Mary Dunne and Mary Doyle from Hospice Isle of Man, Stuart Nelson and Kate Hawley from Barclays Wealth and Tina Shaw from Hospice Isle of Man