Hospice in US-style Halloween 'trunk or treat'

Zoe's Place staff and volunteers have been preparing for the event and are expecting lots of visitors

A hospice which cares for babies, young children and their families has turned to a US Halloween tradition to help raise "vital" funds.

Zoe's Place in Easter Way, Coventry, is holding a "trunk or treat" as part of its Boo Bash event from 16:00 GMT on Friday.

A large number of vehicles with decorated boots, called "trunks" in the US, are due to arrive and children will collect treats from them, and play some games along the way.

"We have taken the idea from the Americans and brought trunk or treat over to Coventry," said Leigh Collins, the venue's head of fundraising.

Respite for families

"It is safer than going house to house and it is accessible to everybody," she added.

It is the second year the hospice in Ash Green has held the US-style event.

Zoe's Place provides respite, palliative and end of life care for children with life-limiting conditions and complex needs from the Midlands and beyond.

Ms Collins said it offered respite care which allowed families to recharge and have time for themselves.

She said some people were referred to the venue after getting to "crisis point" amid the demands of full-time care.

"It is so vital that they get that extra support," she said.

"We have to raise £1.8 million every year to keep our doors open and to run all the services we do," she said, adding about 15% to 20% of money needed came from government funding with the remainder from donations, fundraising and events.

"We don't just look after the child, we look after the whole family so obviously every penny really, really does help," she said.

Ms Collins added it was rewarding to see the positive impact the venue had through its work, which also included arranging days out and special events.

"I adore working here, it's just a fantastic place," she said.

Children can go between the car boots and collect treats at the event