Tea party thanks 450 Hospiscare volunteers

An elegant tea party was held at Exeter University to say thank to hundreds of Hospiscare volunteers.

Glasses of bubbly elderflower were served along with pretty cupcakes, dainty sandwiches and cakes at the glamorous event attended by 450 volunteers from all over Exeter, East and Mid Devon. Large balloons and trees decorated the Forum while the Classic Breeze Concert Band made the party go with a swing.

Vicky Lachenicht, Hospiscare volunteering manager, said: “We have more than 1,000 volunteers and we truly value the great contribution they make to Hospiscare. We wanted to thank them as a group and recognise the work carried out by them and the Hospiscare staff. During the past year our combined efforts meant we helped more than 2,000 patients and their families. That’s amazing.”

Exeter University has nominated Hospiscare as its charity of the year for the past three years and has raised more than £40,000, provided more than £10,000 in free rooms hire and donated more than £5,500 worth of items from the Student Reused project. Also, staff have taken part in a wide variety of fundraising events over the year.

“We are also grateful to the university for its long term support, with so many members of staff eagerly raising funds for us,” said Vicky. “We were delighted when they offered to host this party. They truly rose to the occasion and gave a party worthy of the gift of time that our volunteers give. “