LOCAL people who opened their gardens to visitors this summer have helped raise more than £72,000 for Hospiscare. 

As many as 55 gardens in the county saw guests go along in support of the hospice charity for Exeter, Mid and East Devon. 

In Crediton, Bert and Margaret Jewell opened their garden in Golden Joy. The gardens at Efford House near Shobrooke, Fursdon House near Cadbury and Southey Farm in Sampford Courtenay were also opened to raise funds. 

Hospiscare fundraiser Toni Hiscocks said: “All the money raised from this year’s Open Gardens will help local families in so many ways.  

“From funding the care on our specialist ward to supporting patients and their families at home, our gardeners have made such a difference to local people living with a terminal illness.” 

Hospiscare is a local charity that provides specialist care for adults with terminal illnesses and their families in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.  

It has four sites: Searle House in Exeter, Kings House in Honiton, Pine Lodge in Tiverton and High View in Exmouth. 

The charity also provides care in patients’ homes and community settings. 

Just 15 per cent of its funding comes from the NHS, with the rest coming from donations from the public. 

In November 2023, the charity declared a funding deficit of £2.5 million, which forced it to close a quarter of its ward beds and reduce its community services in April. 

If you would like to join Hospiscare’s Open Gardens initiative next year, telephone 01392 688020 or email [email protected].