THE local hospice charity for Exeter, Mid and East Devon is asking the community to do something amazing by taking on a sponsored challenge to support end-of-life care.

Hospiscare supports patients living with a terminal illness and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

The charity receives just 18 per cent of its funding from the NHS and therefore relies upon the fundraising support of the local community to care for more than 2,500 patients and their families every year.

Anyone can take on a challenge to support their local hospice charity. From adrenaline-fuelled challenges such as skydives and wing walks to endurance challenges such as marathons, swimathons and couch to 5k, there is a challenge out there for everyone.

Louise Jones, mum and co-owner of The Coffee Bank in Ottery St Mary, braved her fear of heights to take on a skydive for Hospiscare with fellow mums and colleagues, Jodie Blatchford and Susie Woodin.

Louise explains: “None of us have done anything like this before, but we wanted to do it for Hospiscare as we know first-hand the amazing work that the hospice provides. They are true heroes!

“As scared as we all were, it was something we could tick off our bucket lists, and raising vital funds for Hospiscare at the same time was a bonus!

“In the lead-up to our jump, we were really nervous, but the more customers we spoke to whilst raising our sponsorship for Hospiscare, the more we realised how dear the charity is to so many people in our community. It spurred us on even more.

“On the day, our children and all of our family and friends were there to watch. The scariest bit was reaching the edge of the plane door. It’s hard to put into words how the jump felt. It was so peaceful, calm and serene and it felt like nothing else mattered. We were so high in the sky, so small, yet so big and powerful to be doing this for our local hospice.”

To take on the challenge of a lifetime and raise vital funds for local end-of-life care, please visit: www.hospiscare.co.uk/challenges or get in touch with Hospiscare fundraising team by emailing: [email protected] or calling 01392 688052.