by Alan Quick

LOCAL business representatives went to Quicke’s Farm Kitchen at Newton St Cyres for the launch of the Children’s Hospice South West 2016 £50 challenge.

The competition, sponsored by financial planners Old Mill, of Exeter, sees local businesses compete to turn a £50 start-up investment into as much money as possible in three months.

Corporate partnerships fundraiser Naomi Dymond, from Children’s Hospice South West, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Old Mill sponsoring the £50 Challenge in our 25th anniversary year.

“The whole team have been fantastic supporters of CHSW since they won the challenge in 2014, when they raised an incredible £5,772.”

The evening included a cider tasting demonstration courtesy of Sandford Orchards and a cheese tasting courtesy of Quicke’s Traditional Ltd.

She said it costs £8 million each year to fund the services at CHSW’s three hospices in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, and the charity relies almost entirely on voluntary funding.

In addition to the nursing and care support, the hospices offer holistic therapy with special sensory rooms, arts and crafts rooms, soft play facilities, and hydrotherapy pools. There is also a dedicated sibling support service, so the whole family is looked after.

If you would like to know more about the work of the hospice, each hospice offers monthly open days. These days are extremely popular and tours have to be pre-booked. For more information visit: www.chsw.org.uk/opendays .

If you would like to support the hospice in its 25th year and help secure its services for the future, please visit: www.chsw.org.uk/25 .