Staff and Partners at Chartered Accountancy firm Haslers have, for the sixth year running – joined well-known fundraiser Frank Charles as he donates a bundle of presents to children at the Acorn Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital.

The firm, which is located in Loughton, collected over £500 worth of donations from its team, which were used to purchase a variety of gifts for those spending Christmas on the Ward.

The donations are an ongoing tradition at the practice and replaces the firm’s old Secret Santa system to give something back to the community.

Haslers were delighted to team up with the Frank Charles Give a Gift Appeal. It was started in memory of Frank’s son Ashley Charles, who was born in 1987 and died, aged 23 months, in 1989 from Hirschsprung’s Disease.

Frank was also born with this disease and spent many years in Great Ormond Street Hospital as a child, which re-affirmed his conviction to raise money for the children’s ward at Whipps Cross Hospital.

Members of Haslers team joined Frank on the day to deliver the gifts in-person to patients who were happy to receive some much-needed Christmas cheer.

Jon O’Shea, Chairman of Haslers, said: “It was a real honour to be joining Frank again as he makes his annual trip to the hospital. Every year we visit we are greeted by smiles and thanks from the nurses, doctors and patients who are so appreciative of the donations.

“Everyone at Haslers gets excited about the appeal every year and we are always blown away by the amount raised for the appeal. I hope we continue to enjoy this fantastic relationship with Frank well into the future.”

Haslers has a close association with Frank and recently took part in the Feed the Streetz project, where they helped Frank to feed the homeless community at Stratford Shopping Centre.

Haslers charity work doesn’t stop there though, as this year they also helped to collect donations for the Epping Forest Food Bank Reverse Advent Calendar.

The team purchased items each day to make up a hamper, which will be donated to those who rely on the food bank’s services.