EMPLOYEES at a High Street store almost doubled their fundraising target for a charity which cares for brain injury survivors.

Marks and Spencer staff beat their original £1,500 goal for Headway Essex by raising a substantial £3,300.

The money will go towards funding their rehabilitative care services.

As well as running the Headway Centre in Colchester for five days a week, the charity also provides a community support service, which offers information and advice to people living with a brain injury and those who care for them.

Sandie Isaac, the Colchester store’s bureau assistant, said: “I was in a frightful car accident many years ago and suffered memory loss for several months.

“Although Headway Essex weren’t involved in my care, I know the work they do is wonderful and so important for our community.

“I personally wanted to give back to a very worthy charity and it’s been great that the team at M&S have been behind it 100 per cent.”

The money was the result of a 12-month fundraising campaign, which included a range of activities such as staff quizzes, bowling nights, bake sales, a dog and cat show, and children’s colouring competitions.

Joanne Hockey, trusts and corporate manager at Headway Essex, said they are delighted by their generosity.

She added: “The team worked tirelessly to help raise awareness of the work we do and we’re so grateful for the support of everyone involved.

“We’ll be able to use the money raised to ensure we can continue to provide support for adults with acquired brain injuries in the area.”