Volunteers raised almost £900 for a children’s hospice at an Easter Fair last weekend in Dartmouth’s Old Market.

The Dartmouth and District Friends Group for Children’s Hospice South West set up a host of stalls, including cakes, cards, crafts, jewellery, driftwood art, books and bags and, on the cold but sunny Spring day. Local children’s Dashing Devon Dukes ukulele band performed and joined in the fundraising effort to raise £36 in a collection while they played. And balloon sculptures were provided by Dartmouth’s Town Crier, Lez Ellis, who also judged the children’s Easter Bonnet Competition.

Children’s Hospice South West volunteer Sue Tweed said: “Our very grateful thanks to everyone who helped us to raise the wonderful amount of £886.70 for Children’s Hospice South West. Our brilliant stallholders and generous buyers, donors and supporters made this such a successful event. We’re delighted this amount takes the total our small Friends Group has raised since April last year, despite restrictions due to Covid, to more than £17,000! Thank you and well done to everyone who has helped in any way.”

The money raised by the Group will help Children’s Hospice South West provide essential specialist care and support for more than 500 South West families with life-limited children. CHSW is the only children’s hospice in the South West, where the care offered in all three hospices is not simply about medical and nursing care for sick children, but also about making the most of short and precious lives, while creating special memories and supporting every member of every family. It costs more than £11 million to run each year, relying almost entirely on voluntary contributions and fundraising events such as this one.

Sue added: “Dartmouth and District Friends Group organises events locally to raise money and awareness for this vital charity. Volunteers are always welcome - any help, if just a cake for an event, is much appreciated. Contact me on 01803 770730 or email [email protected] if you can help in any way.”