The Southern Co-op funeral home in Rose Green, Bognor Regis has been lending a helping hand to a local brother and sister running team raise thousands for the National Autistic Society. Nicola and Nigel Fitzsimmons will be taking on the London Marathon on Sunday, April 22. The branch has kicked off fundraising by donating £200 to Nicola and Nigel, and provided a raffle prize of a food hamper to support them with their Valentine’s Charity Evening. Nicola said: “Nigel and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Southern Co-op as a key sponsor for the Virgin Money London Marathon! “We’ve been so lucky to have their support through these next few months and have Shirley and Lindsey from Rose Green offices in particular, getting on board with us and Team Autism!” Nigel added: “We’re really proud to be associated with a business where their interest is so far beyond profit. “We’re just so impressed with their commitment to making a difference in their local communities and it fits so well with what we’re doing and the work of the National Autistic Society.” When Nigel and Nicola approached the Southern Co-op branch looking for sponsorship, Shirley Heaton and Lindsey Booker, the co-ordinators there were only too happy to help. Shirley said: “Nigel and Nicola are such lovely people and we can see the hard work they are putting in. “Not only are they dedicated to their vigorous training schedule but they are also spending a considerable amount of time and effort organising their own fundraising events. We want to support them as much as we possibly can.” Lindsay added: “I am just in awe of Nigel and Nicola’s dedication and commitment to this charity and we are very excited at being able to support them.” Their current target is £4,500, and at the time of writing, the fundraising total sits at £4,267.20. More information about Nicola and Nigel’s events and fundraising can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicolanigelrunchallenge. Charities and community groups can also apply to Southern Co-op for cash donations or goods in kind through the ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ scheme, which is funded by the five pence single-use carrier bag levy. For more information on how to apply, speak to the local branch manager, or visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/makingadifference/love-your-neighbourhood.