CHERITON Fitzpaine Ladies' Organisation met in Cheriton Fitzpaine Methodist Hall to hear a presentation by Sharon Collins about the Exeter Hospice and Hospiscare. Hospiscare was founded in 1992 by Dr Searle, who was horrified by the way in which terminally ill patients were discharged with no support.

The Hospice supplies end of life care to 12 patients at Searle House, (they do not necessarily suffer from Cancer), with family support and bereavement counselling. Hospiscare at Home started in 2022, so that people who wish to die at home, with their families, can do so.

Due to recruitment and funding problems, the Hospice is only able to use eight beds at present, and is always looking at ways to raise money.

There are now 17 Charity Shops in Devon, and one can even buy goods on ebay.

Other ways of raising money include: saving and donating postage stamps, paying towards the monthly lottery or using the will-writing service.

This year, there will be 60 Open Gardens in the County, and the Fundraising team is always looking for more. One out of five patients is funded by money left in a will.

During coffee, Sharon answered questions from the audience, and was thanked by Julia Sanders.

Our next meeting, hopefully in the Parish Hall which is currently undergoing renovations, will be on Tuesday, April 9, at 7.30pm, when Ann Stobart will be talking about medical herbs in your garden. Visitors are always welcome.

Mary Nunn