The Steam Packet Company has donated ?500 to Rebecca House, in lieu of Christmas cards.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Rebecca House provides vital respite and care to the Island’s children and we are pleased to have been able to show our support for such a worthwhile cause.’

Rebecca House is part of Hospice Isle of Man and provides respite, emergency and end-of-life care for children up to 18 years old.

Its staff currently look after 19 children, either for overnight stays or during the day. Rebecca House also provides an outreach service for poorly children at home.

The children who attend Rebecca House may have conditions such as undiagnosed syndromes, brain injuries, muscular dystrophy, degenerative illnesses and, in a few cases, cancer.

Rebecca House receives ?80,000 per year from the Department of Health and Social Security but relies on donations to meet the ?400,000 annual cost of running the facility.

Mary Doyle, Hospice Care PR and Marketing Manager, said: ‘On behalf of Rebecca House I would like to express our gratitude to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for their kind donation. Without the help and support of the local community Rebecca House would not continue to be able to provide all its essential services.’