Pumpkin carving competition to aid Children’s Hospice

Pumpkin kits are on their way to local businesses as part of a competition to help raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West.

For the second year running, the Mercure Southgate Exeter is holding a pumpkin carving competition, inviting Exeter residents, businesses, hotel guests, spa and leisure club members to get creative for charity.

Hotel manager Fiona Darde said: “We’re looking for people to get creative and help raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Last year we had a fantastic response, ranging from quirky and fun to truly inspiring and scary.

“This year, along with hotel guests and Exeter residents, we’re challenging local businesses to unleash their artistic side and get carving for charity!”

It costs £2 to enter the competition, with all the money raised going to Children’s Hospice South West. The prize for the best design is £50 worth of high street shopping vouchers. Photos of the best exhibits will also feature on the hotel’s Facebook page and also on display at the hotel entrance on Halloween.

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is a charity which helps and supports children with life-limiting conditions, at its three hospices in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

Corporate partnerships fundraiser Naomi Dymond is based at the charity’s Little Bridge House hospice in North Devon.

She said: “We can’t wait to see what designs people will come up with and can’t thank the Southgate team enough for their continued support. We hope everyone has great fun taking part, knowing that at the same time they are helping us to make the most of short and precious lives.”

The pumpkins have been supplied by Crealy Adventure Park. Companies taking part in the Southgate Mercure quiz night on Wednesday (Oct 22) are also being presented with pumpkins and invited to take part.

Carved pumpkins need to be delivered to the hotel, in Southernhay, by 5pm on Friday 31 October, in time for the Halloween judging later that evening.