Sell-out curry night raises £3K for Hospiscare

Two East Devon businesses that joined forces to put on a fundraising curry night raised £3,000 for local charity, Hospiscare.

The event was held in October at Higher Wiscombe Holiday Cottages, when Chef Robin Rea from Ottery’s Rusty Pig and his team created an Indian banquet. The meal featured sustainably sourced goat and chicken curry, with edible table decorations proving a real hit with diners.

Higher Wiscombe owner, Alistair Handyside MBE said: “Everyone pulled together to make this into an enjoyable and successful fundraiser for a charity that is close to all our hearts.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity enabling us to achieve such a fantastic total.”

Chris Piper of Christopher Piper Wines consulted on wine pairing for the different courses resulting in a first class taste experience, and the fundraising total was swelled through a silent auction of donated lots including short breaks at Cuckoo Down Farm and Higher Wiscombe, Rusty Pig sparkling wine and a ride in a vintage Bentley.

Community Fundraiser, Toni Hiscocks from Hospiscare said: “We would like to thank Alistair, Lorna, Robin and everyone involved for their amazing effort.

“Donations like this allow us to continue helping and supporting people in Exeter, Mid and East Devon living with a terminal diagnosis.

Toni added that the funds would be used for various items and services, such as a syringe drive pump costing £702 that delivers medication to help provide consistent pain management making patients more comfortable; a 24-hour stay that costs £699; £216 for one year’s worth of expenses for a  (specialist trained volunteer) Care Navigator who can provide emotional and practical support such as collecting prescriptions from diagnosis until end of life; and £20 for a soft bath sheet, a small but important part of the support offered.

Robin, whose father was helped by Hospiscare at the end of his life, said: “This amazing service, which is provided free to the local community, relies on donations to enable it to continue supporting people in our local area living with a terminal illness.

“It’s a pleasure to hand over the money - we really do know it will be put to good use.”