Hospiscare support group co-ordinator retires

Exeter charity Hospiscare said a sad farewell to Barry Carpenter who has retired after 14 years as the support group co-ordinator.

During his time helping Hospiscare support groups across Exeter, East and Mid Devon, a total of £2.5m has been raised for the charity - including the Exeter group raising £1.25m.

At a farewell party Hospiscare chief executive Glynis Atherton praised Barry's hard work, support and encouragement and hands on approach to the role. She said the many extra hours he had given unpaid to the charity amounted to two years.

Barry said: "It's been a privilege to work here at Hospiscare where the only thing that matters is the patient and their family."

Every year Hospiscare specialist doctors and nurses look after 2,000 people and their families living with a terminal illness in Exeter, East and Mid Devon. This care, which is given free of charge, costs the charity £5m each year, with just £1.1m coming from the NHS.