Millionaire Ken Townsley makes pledge to help hospice

As well as continuing to pay for two senior staff nurses for three years, the multi-millionaire will now put up more cash to help seriously ill children.

Head of fundraising Linzi Young said: “Ken’s generosity is helping to pay for our unique brand of nursing care for some of the most fragile youngsters on the Fylde Coast, but he is also paying for music therapy and extra play worker time – so his money is bringing laughter, song and very wonderful experiences here at Brian House. We think he is simply amazing.”

Mr Townsley, who made his fortune after launching Gold Medal Travel after being made redundant from his job as a baggage handler at Blackpool Airport, has earmarked around £100m for good causes, paid through the Kentown Wizard Foundation.

The media-shy entrepreneur wants to help children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses – and has supported Brian House multiple times in the past two years.

He played ‘secret Santa’ in December, covering the costs of the annual Santa Dash on the Prom, and paid for the first Brian House Golf Day at Royal Lytham.

Senior sister Vicky Murphy said: “Ken doesn’t like publicity and he doesn’t look for public thanks, but on behalf of everyone here I want to say a big thank you.”

In a statement, Kentown Wizard Foundation said continuing to back Brian House was an ‘easy decision to make’.

“Children are at the heart of everything we do,” it added.