CLAIRE House needs Globe readers' support for a virtual campaign so that the children it cares for can enjoy Easter, as many cannot eat chocolate.

The charity has set up its own online Easter Garden where supporters can buy children a virtual egg.

Money raised will help the hospice provide support for local families over the Easter period and beyond.

The organisation, providing care and support to around 250 seriously and terminally ill children and their families, says an estimated 210 of the children it cares for are fed by a tube.

But without eating orally, the children are unable to enjoy chocolate Easter eggs.

The hospice is inundated with donations of Easter eggs from kind supporters and local businesses. It is asking the public to reconsider how they support Claire House at this time of year.

Gillian Nove, director of income generation said: "Chocolate eggs are a wonderful part of Easter and the siblings we care for love going home with a bag full of goodies.

"But most of the children simply can't eat chocolate.

"If our supporters could kindly donate a couple of pounds to our cause instead, we can ensure the children can get involved in other ways; making Easter crafts and cards or enjoying a Sunday movie cuddled up on the sofa with a member of our team."

Alison Rushton, whose daughter Jess, 11, attends the hospice for respite care, is fully suppportive of the campaign.

She said: "Jess is fed for 16 hours a day via a tube directly into her bloody stream called TPN.

"She is completely nil by mouth so can't eat chocolate eggs.

"We're really passionate about this campaign as the hospice has given us new life, just as Easter eggs represent new life at this time of year.

"If a few people could donate the cost of an egg to the hospice, instead of the egg itself, the money would help pay for a stay for a family like ours."

To support Claire House with a virtual Easter egg, visit www.clairehouse.org.uk