A FAST food restaurant chain is holding a fundraising event.

McDonald’s restaurants across the UK will be holding a jungle themed fundraising day, for Ronald McDonald House Charities as part of the Help Us Keep Families Close day.

The event will take place on Saturday October 22.

The charity helps to keep families close to their children in hospital, by providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation and support.

McDonald’s restaurants will be bringing the jungle theme to life, with four new wild animal soft toys for customers to purchase for £2.50 each from the Kiosk, front counter and Drive-thru window, with 100% of donations going to the charity.

The charity desperately needs fundraising support to contribute towards the funds needed over the next few years to open four new Houses across the UK.

There are currently 14 Ronald McDonald House. The charity has been helping families for over 25 years; providing free family accommodation at NHS hospitals.

Essex based former professional footballer Jeff Brazier is an ambassador for the event and campaign.

Jeff now a TV presenter previously played for Canvey Island, Grays and Billericay based football clubs.

He said: “We have all been there, popping a penny into the box and wondering if it actually makes a difference.

“When I visited the Ronald McDonald House in Brighton it was such an eye opener, they’re set up just like any home so families can still be together and keep a level of normality.

“Every single penny is that is donated goes to help keep families together, close to their children providing free accommodation and support, which is one less worry for families in times of crisis.”