As the cold wind bites, thousands of pensioners around the county will be receiving their winter fuel allowances to encourage them to keep the heat on and stay healthy.
But for those over-60s who do not feel they need the money, the 125 Winter Fund, run by a couple from Glenfield, gives an opportunity to make a real difference.
Paul and Sue Newman, who first ran the campaign in 2010, ask other pensioners who do not need winter fuel allowance of £100 to donate it to the fund, with gift aid this would become a donation of £125.
The cash is then donated to good causes.
This year, the couple are expecting to collect well over £30,000, which can be donated to either Leicester Royal Infirmary's Our Space Appeal for young cancer patients or Age UK in Leicestershire.
This year's 125 Winter Fund has been kicked off with a £10,000 donation from Paul, 65, whose mother, Joyce, died recently, aged 91, and left him the money.
He said: "I always said that if Mum left us anything it would go somewhere she would appreciate. She worked as a nurse on a children's ward and later as matron at a children's hospital, so seeing the money going to the Our Space Appeal would have made her happy."
Everyone over 60 will begin receiving their winter fuel payments this week, with the money going directly into their bank accounts.
The benefit is not means tested, so even the richest over-60s receive it.
The 125 Winter Fund is run in conjunction with Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, a charity that helps companies and individuals to give to local causes of all sizes and types.
Paul and Sue raised more than £30,000 for good causes last year and hope to raise more this year.
"Once we'd got it in place, it just took off," said Sue.
"A lot of people did feel the way we felt and many little donations have made a big difference – to both children and elderly people."
The Our Space Appeal aims to provide a new young people's cancer unit separate from younger cancer patients.
Age UK will use its money to help vulnerable people in the county.
Director Tony Donovan said: "We buy blankets, heaters, food and clothing and provide advice to help those most in need receive all the benefits to which they are entitled."
To donate your £125, call 0116 222 2205 or go to:
www.125winterfund.org.uk
