Television property guru Phil Spencer has become a patron of charity chYps Children’s Hospice at Home.

Mr Spencer became a supporter of chYps after hearing about the care and support it provides to seriously ill babies, children and young adults.

His patronage will see him continue to support the charity by raising awareness and funds.

Father-of-two Phil said: “I feel honoured, inspired and proud to be a patron of chYps. The care this charity provides to very poorly children is absolutely vital and only ever able to continue with the help and support of the Kent community. These are real families, going through real but unimaginable hardships.

“With the help of chYps, sick children can have some normality with their parents and brothers and sisters in the comfort of their own homes.”

Mr Spencer first pledged support last year, when he swapped properties for pedals at the Castle Ride 100, cycling 69 miles for chYps.

Now the Location, Location, Location star is encouraging supporters to “Get Purple” during Children’s Hospice Week of June 13 to 20.

Director of fundraising Rachel Holweger said: “We often hear chYps described as ‘Kent’s best kept secret’ because our care is provided in the privacy and security of a child’s own home.

“It is therefore vital for us to have the support of well known people and figureheads. We are absolutely delighted to have Phil as our patron.

"His support during Children’s Hospice Week is just the start of a very exciting future, working together to raise funds and awareness of chYps, the only charity that provides vital hospice care in the homes of poorly children in the county.”

Visit www.chyps.org on Twitter @chYpsCharity or at www.facebook.com/chypschildrenshospice