A Honiton Hospiscare volunteer who has supported the charity from its very inception, over four decades ago, has won the Hospice UK 'Volunteer of the Year' award.

Mary Bolshaw, Honiton resident was a founding member of the Hospiscare family and has dedicated over 45 years to the charity, bringing the community together during the most difficult times in all weathers and all seasons and proving support for Hospiscare patients and their families.

A fantastic ambassador for Hospiscare in the local community, Mary's fundraising events range from table top sales to coffee mornings, and most recently an elegant sparkling afternoon tea for over 80 people in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, complete with immaculate linen and fine bone china.

Mary not only fundraises for a charity close to her heart, but she cares about those attending her events, building special relationships within the community. Mary has seen many friends not only attend her events but then when diagnosed with a terminal illness, use the end of life services which she works so hard to keep fundraising for.

The awards took place in November 2022 at the Hospice UK conference in Glasgow to celebrate the outstanding work taking place in hospices across the UK, and the people involved with them.

Hospice UK CEO, Toby Porter, said: "Mary's enormous contribution really stood out to us. She has helped raise over £1.1 million and has given much time and energy supporting the Devon hospice in a range of ways.

Hospiscare' s Head of Public Fundraising, Sarah Smith, added: "Hospiscare was founded by volunteers and more than forty years on volunteers remain at the heart of our charity. We are beyond thrilled that Mary has been recognised with the Hospice UK 'Volunteer of the Year' Award in light of her extraordinary contribution to the hospice and our local community for over four decades. This is a brilliant opportunity for all of us at Hospiscare to say an enormous 'thank you' to Mary for her outstanding generosity, commitment and support to the hospice and our patients."

Huge congratulations to Mary for winning this very well-deserved honour!

Community Fundraising activities raises money to allow Hospiscare to provide specialist end-of-life care to local patients facing terminal illness whilst also supporting their loved ones. Without the generosity of our community, Hospiscare would not be there for these families, providing this vital care and support and allowing them to spend precious time making memories with those they love during the most difficult time.

Hospiscare' s specialist palliative care multi-disciplinary team is made up of Four specialist Palliative Dr's, Advanced Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, Admiral nurses, specialist palliative care paramedic, spiritual lead, supportive care team including physio and occupational therapist are there to support and advice the local Gp's, Royal Devon University Hospital community nursing and Hospice at Home teams across the area. The specialist ward at Searle House is available to those patients needing admission across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

Hospiscare need your help.

New Raffle Donations wanted.

Do you have any unwanted Christmas gifts Hospiscare could recycle and use at the fundraising events raffle such as Perfume, Gift Sets, Candles, Games and Alcohol such as wine or spirits , if so contact Toni on the number below.

Save your Stamps for Hospiscare!

Why not donate your used postage stamps to Hospiscare, if you can help, please take them to your local Hospiscare shop marked for the "Area Fundraiser" who will arrange to collect them, alternatively call Toni Hiscocks on the number below to arrange collection.

If you are interested in the work of Hospiscare or would like to join in our fundraising activities or have an idea of your own, please contact Area Fundraiser Toni Hiscocks 01392 688067/07921 845615, email [email protected] or find Toni on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078307831484