A hospice which works “tirelessly” to care for terminally ill patients raised £70,000 by encouraging people to spend the day in their pyjamas.

The North London Hospice, in Finchley and Enfield, will spend the money on 18 new specially-adapted beds to make patients more comfortable.

Over the past few months, people from across the community have snapped photos of themselves wearing pyjamas and donated money to support the hospice’s campaign.

Director of clinical services, Fran Deane, said the new beds would make a huge difference to the patients being cared for at the hospice.

She said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, our supporters, community groups, corporate partners and trusts.

“All of the beds in the unit are over seven years old and are proving difficult and costly to maintain. Many have developed faults, and failures have had a direct effect on our occupancy levels.

“Maintenance costs are increasing year on year and delays caused by waiting for work to be undertaken can mean there are no spare beds for patients to be admitted too.”

They had set themselves a target of raising £36,000 – but the extra donations mean they will also be able to replace the laundry equipment.

Ms Deane added: “We really are extremely grateful to the communities of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey for allowing this to happen.

“It is thanks to their generosity that we are able to offer the best care facilities to our patients and their families.”

Schools, nurseries and toddler group as well as the hospice’s corporate partners, Natwest Bank, got involved by holding pyjamas themed fundraising activities.

Pupils and staff at Fortismere School, in Muswell Hill, raised £700 for the campaign by spending the day dressed in onesies, slippers and pyjamas.

Headteacher Helen Anthony said: “Facing your own, or a loved ones end of life is an incredibly hard and sad thing to have to do. We have chosen to support North London Hospice because they work tirelessly to optimise the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses and provide specialist care to patients and their families.

“They do incredible work, and we, as part of the North London community, want to thank and support them.”