Staff from Aurora Fashions have raised more than £3,000 for a children’s hospice

Two teams of employees from the fashion retailer took over the tills at Richard House shops in Hornchurch and Dagenham Heathway to see who could bring in the most money in a day.

They were split randomly and each team had to sort and price goods, organise the displays, work on the tills and assist customers.

Aurora, which develops and manages Oasis, Coast and Warehouse, provided stock specially for the event which led to hoards of shoppers eagerly waiting for their arrival.

Aurora have raised over £13,000 over the past six months though a series of fundraising events which culminated in yesterday’s activities. This included taking part in a 20 mile Monopoly walk, visiting every location on the London Monopoly board from Old Kent Road to Mayfair. They also took to the water with a swim-a-thon event and earlier this week a team scaled the O2 arena in Greenwich.

The money raised from the shop challenge will go towards providing free care and services for the 300 families and children supported by the hospice, based in Beckton.

Dana Aboul-Jabine, new business executive at Richard House Children’s Hospice, said: “It was amazing effort by everyone involved at Aurora, and shows just how committed they are to making a real difference to children, young adults and families who use the hospice’s services. Aurora have been wonderful champions of Richard House, and we are extremely grateful for their continuing support.”