Manchester law firm Browne Jacobson has announced Francis House Children’s Hospice as its charity for 2016-17.

Francis House in Didsbury provides respite care to children, teenagers and young adults with life-threatening conditions across Greater Manchester and also offers support, encouragement and friendship to over 370 families across the north west.

The team at the heart of the charity includes carers, counsellors, medical professionals and volunteers who provide various levels of care; including home, day, respite, end-of-life and palliative care.

These services are free which means the hospice needs to raise around £4.2m a year in order to continue with its efforts.

Every year, each of Browne Jacobson’s five offices nominates a charity to support in their area and last year raised nearly £20k.

Rachel Astill, Fundraising Manager at Francis House, said: “On behalf of the children and families of Francis House I would like to thank Browne Jacobson for choosing us as their local children’s hospice as their charity of the year.

“We are delighted to have them on board and look forward to supporting their upcoming fundraising efforts.”

Nichola Evans, Manchester Partner at Browne Jacobson, added: “As a firm we are very passionate about supporting local causes and giving something back to the communities we serve.

“There are so many important local causes that are in need of funding but the work, help and support Francis House provides across the region is truly amazing and has really resonated with our Manchester team.

“We are looking forward to working with a charity that provides a real lifeline to these children and families and hope to raise funds that will allow them to continue the fantastic work they are doing.”

To kickstart its fundraising campaign two employees, legal support co-ordinator Kimberley Davies and solicitor Louise Jackson, will be undertaking a sponsored abseiling challenge by descending 200ft down Manchester’s Trafford Bell Tower on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September.