HOSPISCARE fundraiser Anne Friend, a well-known figure in Crediton life, celebrated 25 years of fundraising on March 4 with a special lunch at Hospiscare, hosted by Chief Executive Glynis Atherton.

Anne first began volunteering for the local charity in 1985. Initially, she collected funds house-to-house and three years later, trained in be-friending, Anne visited patients in their own homes to give them company and support.  

At this time, Hospiscare had been running its community nursing service for six years. In 1991 Anne started a volunteer fundraising group in Crediton, which organises events, sales and collections to raise funds. A year later, the hospice opened in Exeter after a massive appeal for funds.

After 25 years Anne and her hard working committee of volunteers have raised nearly £200,000 to help fund Hospiscare's specialist nurses for local people. As Anne said: "I certainly couldn't have done it alone; without the help of my wonderful committee. It's been a pleasure to contribute to such an important charity."  

Hospiscare cared for 123 patients in Crediton last year, with visits from community nurse Hilary Squire, and support from the hospice in Exeter, which has 24 hour care and a range of specialists for the patient and their families.

Volunteers also help to run the Hospiscare shop in Crediton High Street, where visitors can buy and donate items to help the charity raise further funds.