A BIG hearted county fundraiser is dedicating her working hours to a children's charity in thanks for care to a seriously ill niece, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

Beryl Knapper manages the Acorns shop in Ross-on-Wye in recognition of the invaluable support her family received. Her devotion to the charity is typical of more than 40 permanent staff and volunteers in Herefordshire.

The loyal army in Ross and Hereford has doubled its efforts following the launch of a £4 million fundraising appeal to build a children's hospice in Worcester that would be used by life-limited county youngsters.

Beryl's niece Nina James attended the Selly Oak hospice after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just two and a half. Nina is now 16 and no longer attends the hospice but her aunt has not forgotten the invaluable respite care received.

"People give so generously because it's for terminally ill children. The hospice gives help to families as well as children," said Beryl, who has been at the Ross shop for a year and a half.

Delighted to hear the charity is to put up a third hospice, aimed at providing respite care for children in the three counties, she is encouraging customers to fill special yellow sacks for the project.

The shop manager in Hereford, Amanda Cowley, is doing the same. Within days of the first issue last week a pile of 10 were returned bulging with clothes, bric-a-brac, toys and books.

"We are up 17 per cent from last year because of all the publicity. People have been coming in and asking what they can do and we have received more clothes and money," said Amanda.

Staff never know what they might find in a bag. There was much surprise when a rack of morning suits was brought in to Hereford from a theatrical shop recently.

"We have had some unusual items like tins of corned beef. It's more exciting with the bric-a-brac, sometimes we have valuable things like antique jugs and jewellery which have to be valued and may be sent away to be sold," said Amanda.

When bags come in they are choc full, with many coming from the charity shop's loyal supporters. The items are carefully sorted, steamed, labelled and arranged by a team of volunteers, currently including four girls from Hereford Cathedral School who are helping out as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The shops are, in particular, appealing for ladies', men's and children's clothes, bric-a-brac, jewellery, linen, curtains, CDs, games and toys. The Hereford shop is also expanding its books and electrical goods range and would appreciate more items and some expert help.

Anyone who would like to lend a hand may contact Amanda Cowley in Hereford on 01432 370892. Beryl Knapper can be contacted on 01989 567188.