A woman has raised over £2,000 for a hospice after being given a stall at a car boot and flea market.

Carole Knowles, from Knuzden, has been raising money for East Lancashire Hospice since July 2021 by running a stall at the Unit 17 indoor Car boot and Flea Market in Lower Darwen every Saturday and Sunday.

All proceeds raised from her charity corner go towards raising money for patients and their families who are cared for by the hospice, for which she has raised over £2,000 in less than a year.

When the market first opened in 2021, Carole contacted the proprietors to ask if she could have a stall to benefit East Lancashire Hospice.

They were fully behind the idea and even donated her a corner to use free of charge, as well as supporting her towards raising vital funds for the charity.

Carole donates her own time in running the charity corner, along with friends at the venue helping, with donations coming to her from the local community.

When asked why she chose to do this for the East Lancashire Hospice, Carole said: “I chose to do this charity stall because of the amount of people, including very close friends and colleagues being helped through very difficult times by East Lancashire Hospice. They are an amazing bunch of people.

“We all work as a team at the Car boot, if I am absent from my stall I know I have confidence in someone else supporting me and helping me.

“The car boot is so friendly and no matter who walks through the door, they are made to feel welcome by everyone.

“People think that that we just sell used items, but that is far from the truth. We have goods and clothing donated that are new, still tagged and bagged.

“There are some amazing hand-created stalls there and all find their own way in contributing in helping us raise money for the hospice.”

Carole works hard in ensuring the car boot and charity corner is constantly being promoted and is currently running a raffle, with a chance of winning a 10 item Blackburn Rovers bundle for just £1 a ticket.

The draw will take place on Sunday, February 27 at 3pm. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to East Lancashire Hospice and can be purchased at the car boot.

Fundraising Assistant for the hospice Jackie Morris said: “Carole and all at Unit 17 Car boot are such amazing supporters of the hospice. Since the pandemic hit in 2020, it has been really difficult to fundraise. It is amazing to hear how people are going above and beyond to ensure money is being raised for patients in our community.”