A Hampshire hospice is urging businesses to take part in a scheme that aims to fund a specialist nurse for a year.

Backed by the Beaverbrook Foundation, Oakhaven’s Business Enterprise Challenge invites companies and organisations to take £100 and turn it into more than £1,000 by November 30.

Last year Oakhaven nurses cared for nearly 1,400 patients in the New Forest area, both in the hospice and in patients’ homes.

A spokesperson for the Lymington-based hospice said: "Demand for Oakhaven’s vital palliative and end-of-life services is constantly growing and and additional nurses will be required.

"By taking part in the Business Enterprise Challenge, businesses will help to ensure that Oakhaven’s dedicated and specialist nurses will be there for patients and their loved ones at the most difficult of times.

"The challenge provides a great way to give back to your local community and to make a difference in the lives of local families.

"It's a great opportunity to build team spirit and be part of something special."

Oakhaven's director of patient services, Denise Major, added: "Our nurses are highly skilled and dedicated to providing end-of-life care. Without them, we could not achieve the growing need for vital patient care.

"By taking part in the Business Enterprise Challenge, your business can make a difference in the lives of those with a life-limiting illness and their families."

Opened in 1992, Oakhaven offers palliative care to patients, carers, and families facing physical, emotional and practical difficulties surrounding end-of-life.

Services include counselling, physiotherapy and complementary therapies, plus a raft of social, health, and wellbeing support.

Oakhaven owes its existence to Phoebe Coates, who donated the land on which it stands in memory of her husband John.

In 2000 she gave Oakhaven additional land and buildings, enabling it to build a new wing and expand its services.

Mrs Coates died in 2006 and bequeathed her home, Pennington Chase, to the hospice.

The house was equipped with physiotherapy rooms, bereavement counselling quarters, and an education centre where nurses and care staff can learn more about palliative care.

The new-look building was opened by actress Susan Hampshire in 2010.

For more information about the Business Enterprise Challenge, contact Oakhaven's corporate fundraising manager on 01590 677773, or email business@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.