A charity has been given a marketing boost following substantial funding from Calderdale company.

Overgate Hospice at Elland has been able to recruit Sarah Clarkson as marketing and communications co-ordinator following an offer by specialist insurance firm Caravan Guard to fund her first year’s salary.

The caravan and motorhome insurance specialist, based in Halifax, has worked in affiliation with the hospice for many years – supporting fundraising initiatives, providing marketing support and sponsoring the charity’s annual 5k and 10k Fun Run Challenge.

Caravan Guard also buys each member of its staff an Overgate Lottery ticket each week, giving them a chance to win up to £750.

Caravan Guard managing director Ryan Wilby said: “We have invested a lot of our time and resource supporting Overgate’s marketing efforts in recent years and could see a clear benefit in Overgate hiring their own marketing professional.

“So we offered to fund the first year salary to prove the concept. We were also keen to help provide the necessary tools and support needed to recruit the right person and develop a strategic marketing plan that will enhance the hospice’s brand identity.

“We are confident that it will be the gift that keeps on giving. If Overgate can prove that marketing works for them to help generate further support and funding, then the investment should pay for itself multiple times over.”

In her new role, Sarah is responsible for managing marketing communications and developing innovative fundraising ideas for 2015.

She was given one-to-one coaching from Caravan Guard marketing director Craig Thompson and brand manager Thea Jordan.

Together with Overgate Hospice’s corporate fundraiser, Jo Sygrove, Sarah is also looking to secure corporate support from more local businesses.

Said Sarah: “Overgate Hospice is such an asset to the Calderdale community and I feel extremely privileged to be a part of the team.

“My time here to date has been spent working closely with the fundraising, clinical and senior management teams with a view to ensuring consistency in our messages and increasing the general profile of the Hospice.

“My efforts have been greatly aided by Caravan Guard and I cannot thank them enough for their advice and support.”

For more information go to www.overgatehospice.org.uk