The charity takes its name from the Greek translation of ‘Zoe’ – which means ‘gift of life’ - and offers short-term palliative respite and terminal care for babies and young children.

It will build its third UK hospice in Ash Green, Coventry, by Spring 2009. The project will cost £650,000 and will help families across the Midlands.

Vicki Partridge of Zöe's Place said: “It’s fantastic for us to be linked with a large local firm like Wright Hassall because it will provide much-needed funds and increase local awareness of our cause.

“We are hoping to help around 35 families from around the region every year to begin with. When you have a child with extreme special needs or with a serious illness, the simple tasks such as going shopping or visiting family can become extremely difficult so we offer short-term care. It may be a few hours, it may be a couple of days – but we’re here to help.”

Wright Hassall raised £6,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2007 – a record for the firm – and legal secretary Rebecca Mushing, who plays a key role in fundraising, says staff at the Olympus Avenue firm will aim to go one better.

She said: “There is a real willingness from the staff here to get behind our charity of the year. Zöe’s Place is in the early stages of development but when it is finished, the help it will offer to families across the Midlands will be fantastic.”