This is because the shopping centre has signed up to be a "Platinum" supporter of the hospice, meaning it will give at least £20,000 to it this year.

Thorpe Hall needs to raise £1 million each year to be able to care for those with active, progressive and advanced illness.

Hospice fund-raiser Emma Long said: "We are thrilled to have Queensgate as our first Platinum Friends of Thorpe Hall. The £20,000 it hopes to raise will help us to continue providing care to many local people who are seriously ill with conditions such as cancer."

Centre director at Queensgate Roger Hutchings added: "We're proud to be a Platinum sponsor of Sue Ryder Care, and intend to do everything that we can to raise as much money as possible to support the excellent work it does."

The centre is also the lead sponsor in this year's Ride for Ryder event, a sponsored bike ride on September 14, where fund-raisers can choose to cycle 18, 35, 55 or 83 miles for the charity.

Queensgate is also helping the charity to raise funds through the sale of Sue Ryder Care jute bags at the centre's information desk – priced £1.49 for a small bag and £1.99 for a large one.

For more information on how your organisation can sponsor Sue Ryder – the "blue" sponsorship is for just £1,000 a year – call 01733 330060.