Tesco Bank's £25,000 donation to Grace House

The respite centre had been selected by employees of Tesco Bank’s Newcastle office to be their official charity partner for 2015-16 and their mission had been to raise £20,000.

Staff took part in volunteering and fund-raising throughout the year to raise £20,878.

In addition, Tesco PLC topped up their fundraising by £4,400, bringing the total to £25,278.

Grace House, in Southwick, is a purpose-built children and young person facility which offers short break and respite care services for children and young people with complex disabilities, health needs and life-limiting conditions.

Therese Procter, chief people officer at Tesco Bank, said: “Our people at Tesco Bank are passionate about making a different in the communities where we live and work.

“Grace House North East was chosen because our colleagues really understand the value of the work that the charity does to support families. We have loved visiting Grace House throughout the year to see how our fundraising has been helping.

“It has been very inspiring seeing every child having so much fun, supported by an amazing team. We’re delighted we were able to contribute to the fantastic work they do there.”

Karen Parry, chief executive officer at Grace House, said: “Grace House North East was thrilled to have been chosen as Tesco Bank Charity of The Year in Newcastle.

"It has been an incredible journey working with the Tesco Bank team and we have been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and energy and the many creative ideas they came up with to raise much needed funds.

"We were delighted by the final total, which has helped to provide a fun, safe, exciting environment for the young people we support.

"We would like to thank each and every member of the team involved.”