LOCAL Rotarians have capped a year of fundraising by presenting a donation of £3,500 to North Devon Hospice.

Cliff Vickery, current president of the Rotary Club of Holsworthy, chose the hospice as his presidential charity, which continues the club’s long-standing support for the cause.

Cliff said: “It has been a pleasure to support North Devon Hospice this year. They are a vital charity that help a huge number of people across the area, but particularly here in Holsworthy thanks to The Long House.

“Since this outreach centre was built in 2015 it has proved to be a lifeline for local people to access extra care and support from the hospice, without the need for a two-hour round trip to Barnstaple.

“The Rotary Club of Holsworthy worked hard to help raise funds to build The Long House, and we are proud to continue that support to keep it running.”

There have been various fundraising activities taking place over the last year, including a Male Voice Choir concert, in which Cliff himself performed. “Singing is a great passion of mine, so it was great to use that in a way which supported such a worthy cause. I am very proud of all our members, and the wider community, who have helped us raise such a sum of money this year. I know that it will make a huge difference to the patients and families that are supported by North Devon Hospice at The Long House here in Holsworthy.”

As well as local fundraising efforts, the project was aided by a substantial Rotary Foundation Grant, secured chiefly through the hard work of Holsworthy Rotary’s ‘Foundation Chair’, Gareth Smith.

Stephen Roberts, chief executive of North Devon Hospice, said that it is only due to such amazing support that the charity can benefit so many people. “We are here to do one thing, and that is provide outstanding care to those affected by a life-limiting illness, while wrapping an arm around their entire family. And there is only reason that this is possible, which is the generosity of people like Holsworthy Rotarians.

“We know that a great deal more people are accessing hospice care in the Holsworthy area thanks to the support we offer at The Long House. So Cliff, and everyone who has helped to make this year such a success, should know that their efforts will directly impact the lives of those on their doorstep. Their long-standing support is vital to us, and on behalf of all of our patients and their families at North Devon Hospice, I would like to say a huge thank you.”

To find out about making North Devon Hospice your charity of the year, contact Ali Hunt on 01271 347206 or email [email protected]