IF you have one too many handbags taking up space at home, why not donate it to children's hospice at home Jessie May for its first ever Handbag Amnesty event.

The charity, which has a base in Swindon and helps local families care for children with life-limiting conditions, is holding the handbag sale at Fig Offices, in Newbridge Square, Swindon, on Thursday September 13, from 10am to 4pm.

Jessie May’s Swindon and Wiltshire fundraising officer Debbie Clark said: “This is our first Handbag Amnesty and we’re really looking forward to it. It’s the perfect excuse for everyone to clear out their wardrobes and drawers, and donate their pre-loved bags to a local charity.

“We’re looking for people to donate their unwanted handbags to help us raise as much money as possible. Alternatively, come along to the event and bag yourself some new handbags for the summer. The money raised will help fund the Jessie May nurses who are currently providing vital respite care to families with life limited children, as well as emotional support, end of life care and bereavement support.

“We’re inviting everyone to drop in before the event with their handbags and share the event with their friends, families and colleagues to make our first handbag amnesty a very special, and successful day.

“Many thanks to Fig Offices for helping us host the event and for their continued support of Jessie May.”

Entry to the event is £5, and all proceeds will be used to support local terminally ill children and their families.

Visitors can rehome multiple handbags on the day, and also take part in a raffle in support of Jessie May on the ground floor of the building.

Fig Offices generously donated office space to Jessie May in Swindon last year, giving the charity’s specialist nurses, who provide hospice at home care, a base in the town.

Gemma George, Centre Manager at Fig Offices, said: “It’s important for Fig Offices to give back to the local charities in the area. Being in a central location has given Jessie May some identity and somewhere they have been able to concentrate on the important jobs they’re doing.

“To see the progression this year for the Swindon team and somehow be a part of it has been a wonderful opportunity for us to share what we can. We are very much looking forward to hosting this event during which Jessie May can hopefully gain some much needed and valued resource.”

Jessie May provides hospice at home care for terminally ill children within their own homes throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. It costs around £1,500,000 to provide this care yearly and the charity is almost entirely dependent on public support.

To donate your handbags before the event, please drop in to Jessie May.

For more information about the charity, visit jessiemay.org.uk.