WIRRAL waste management company B&M Waste Services have been inspired to continue their support of Claire House Children’s Hospice thanks to an emotional appeal in the Wirral Globe.

The company has now pledged £3,000 in sponsorship for the charity’s annual junior football tournament, The Claire House Cup.

Long-term Claire House supporters B&M came on board with the event following a heartfelt ask by Claire House Ambassador Jackie Wild, who organises the Claire House Cup in memory of her son Elliot.

Nine-year-old Elliot lost his fight with leukaemia in 2011, but mum Jackie threw herself into fundraising for the hospice and has so far raised more than £140,000.

The family were cared for by Claire House during Elliot’s illness and following his death.

Jackie, from Bebington, said: “Elliot was such an amazing boy who loved football and particularly Liverpool Football Club and playing for Higher Bebington Junior School.

“The care we received as a family from Claire House was unbelievable and when Elliot passed away we decided we needed to give something back to the hospice. Remembering Elliot through the Claire House Cup seemed like the perfect thing to do.”

Now in its fourth year, the Claire House Cup has so far raised more than £30,000 to support the work of the hospice, providing specialist care, support and choice to families whose children won’t live to be adults.

It takes place at Wirral Rugby Club on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7.

So far, 120 teams of children have signed up. Last year 109 teams took part, raising almost £10,000 for the hospice.

The tournament, organised by JM Sports Education and Everton FC and football squads, is open to from under sixes to under 13s.

Organisers appealed for £3,000 sponsorship via the Globe last month with B&M coming forward.

B&M marketing manager Jayne Kennedy says the team can’t wait to be involved in the event and continue their support for Claire House.

She said: “We are so proud to support such a worthy local cause and after hearing Elliot’s story from his mum, we felt we had to get involved in the Claire House Cup and show our commitment to support Claire House and the families that need it.

“We wish everyone taking part in the event the best of luck; let’s keep our fingers crossed for a sunny weekend!”