Ten West Cumbria Spar stores have raised £2,500 for charity Smile for Miley.
Stores including Aspatria, Bigrigg, Keswick, Maryport, Silloth, Whitehaven, Wigton and Workington took part in fundraising as staff donned fancy dress, encouraged customers to play guessing games, and baked sweet treats to raise the funds.
Based in West Cumbria, Smile for Miley was founded in memory of Miley Todd, who died aged 10 in 2018.
The charity’s mission is to provide support to families whose children are battling life-limiting illnesses or are grieving the loss of a young one.
It offers financial assistance for equipment, funeral expenses, or even everyday costs that can become overwhelming during such a difficult time.
In 2024, Spar workers raised £4,100 for the charity when they completed the distance of the C2C cycling routes on exercise bikes in store.
Michelle Hall, area manager for James Hall & Co Ltd, owner of the Spar stores involved in the fundraising, said: “Huge thanks to our customers across West Cumbria who give generously every time we fundraise for charity, but particularly when the funds are going to Smile for Miley.
“Our retail teams really get behind the fundraising too with all sorts of creative ideas. We have colleagues in our stores who know the family, and when you have that personal connection, it means so much more.”
Miley’s mum Lesley said: “Out of something bad that happened to Miley, the community keeps coming together time and again in all sorts of ways to support us.
“Everyone is so kind and we are hugely grateful for the West Cumbria Spar stores for their fundraising efforts – it really means a lot. It is like being part of a big family.”
