Hospiscare’s new Pine Lodge centre opened to mid Devon patients on 8th June after a local campaign raised £250,000 for its conversion.
Appeal campaigners say the charity hit the target just in time thanks to a stunning effort by mid Devon fundraisers with all money matched by a secret local benefactor.
“From the very beginning this was an ambitious campaign in difficult economic times,” said Hospiscare fundraising director Alison Palfrey. “We are so grateful to the local community for stepping up so superbly. The reward now for local patients and their families is priceless.”
Pine Lodge, which was bought with a Department of Health grant, will now welcome patients living with terminal illness from across mid Devon. Funds raised from the appeal have been spent on transforming it into a vibrant centre offering day care, hairdressing, complementary therapies and the use of a beautiful garden designed by former head gardener at the Knightshayes Garden Trust, Michael Hickson. The centre is also now a base for Hospiscare community nurses who will visit patients at home.
Local fundraising ranged from coffee mornings and concerts. Alison Palfrey said that money was still coming in and any additional funds would now be used for ongoing costs, helping to secure the centre’s future and to fund the vital work of the charity’s mid Devon community nurses.
“Completing Pine Lodge is a major achievement but it is important now to carry on the fundraising so we can keep all our vital services going,” said Alison.
