COMMUNITY groups in South East Cornwall have received thousands of pounds from the 2013 Lloyds Bank Community Fund.
Ellie's Haven in Duloe, near Looe, and Saltash Foodbank were among the big winners, receiving a total of £3,000 each towards their charities from the fund.
The winning charities were chosen in a public vote, with a total of 172,469 votes cast across the South West region.
Ellie's Haven co-founder Nigel Libby said: "I think ever since we started this – both as parents of a sick child – we have been absolutely overwhelmed by people's support and organisations getting involved and having the belief in what we are trying to do.
"Any kind of money is appreciated and we feel really fortunate."
Ellie's Haven was set up in memory of Ellie Libby who died in January last year, a few weeks before her seventh birthday.
Her parents Nigel and Julie have set out to create a "special place for special children", and last year raised £387,500 to buy a house in Duloe which will be converted so that families, with children who have life-threatening illnesses, can go on holiday and relax.
There will be a garden area and a sensory room for the children.
Mr Libby said: "Both Julie and I know how difficult it is.
"This will give the families that comfort, peace of mind and the care package so they can care for their child."
The Lloyds Bank Community Fund gives grants to more than 1,330 charities in England and Wales.
Other charities, including Liskeard and South East Cornwall Breather's Group, and Liskeard and Looe Foodbank, each received a £300 grant.
In the South West region Lloyds Bank reported that the highest percentage of votes went to community groups supporting families, with 69 per cent of the total votes.
Group director of responsible business in the Lloyds Banking Group, Graham Lindsay, said: "Lloyds Bank scaled up the Community Fund considerably in 2013 and in return we have had an incredible response from the public, which has resonated right across the country.
"We know that receiving a promotional boost and public support is as important as the financial investment and can have a sustained impact on groups' engagement with their local community over time.
"Congratulations to every community group that took part; we look forward to hearing about the difference being involved in the programme has made."