Customers and staff at a popular Eton restaurant are well on the way towards funding a counselling room at the Royal Borough's new hospice when it opens by Bray Lake in July.

Last September Michael and Lin Gilbey - who own Gilbey's restaurant in Eton - pledged to raise £30,000 to fund the room when Windsor's Thames Hospice moves from Hatch Lane to its smart new premises

As part of its fundraising efforts Gilbey’s is asking customers for a voluntary donation of 50p per head when they visit the Eton restaurant or its sister restaurant in Old Amersham. Staff members have also got behind the fundraising efforts, including Samuel Sumner who raised more than £700 by shaving his hair in aid of the hospice.

In just four months, Gilbey’s has already raised over £7,000 and is well on its way to achieving its target.

Commenting on their support for the Hospice, Michael and Lin said: “We are thrilled that each and every member of our staff are behind our fundraising efforts and the response from our customers has just been amazing.”

Jane Symmons, head of major gifts at Thames Hospice said: “Michael and Lin’s passion for hospice care and support of Thames Hospice radiates from them and throughout their dedicated staff. We know they will smash their £30,000 goal.”

The Gilbey’s also plans to get involved in lots of other fundraising activities over the course of the year to reach their target, including a Gilbey’s Champagne and Gin Bar at the hospice’s recently announced LakeFest event on June 6 at the new site.

Supporters can contact the fundraising team on 01753 842121 or visit www.raisetheroof2020.org.uk/get-involved

*Thames Hospice provides expert care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. Away from the hospice site itself its medical teams support patients, their families and carers in their own homes.

It costs £8 million every year to keep the hospice running. It relies on the community for over 50 per cent of the funds needed to provide its services free of charge.