Toy shoppers raise £1m for Bristol Children's Hospital through checkout donations

Customers at The Entertainer toy stores across the South West have raised £1 million for The Grand Appeal, the charity supporting Bristol Children's Hospital.

The milestone was reached through a simple scheme that lets shoppers round up their purchases to the nearest pound at the till. Since 2011, customers at 15 stores from Cornwall to Wiltshire have taken part, with small donations adding up to seven figures.

The achievement was celebrated with the unveiling of a giant million-pound penny at The Entertainer's Cabot Circus store in Bristol, which will now tour participating stores across the region.

The money raised helps fund vital services for children and families using Bristol Children's Hospital, including free accommodation for parents, specialist equipment, and arts, music and play programmes.

Helen Haskell, The Grand Appeal's head of fundraising, described the £1 million total as a "phenomenal milestone" that has provided practical help and comfort for children and families during difficult times.