Hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers paid off

Volunteers and staff celebrated a landmark 25 years of trading in Ottery’s Hospiscare shop - and raised more than £3,500 for the cause.

The hard work and dedication of all involved were credited for helping the Broad Street store achieve its ongoing success. Manager Claire Soper was praised for her efforts during the birthday week and beyond.

Hospiscare trustee Andrew Smith cut the celebration cake and thanked the current staff and volunteers and their predecessors for their hard work in keeping the shop running for so long. He said: “Most businesses don’t last 25 months and you’ve made 25 years – congratulations.”

Thanking customers, Mr Smith added: “It costs more than £5million to provide our Hospiscare services and we’re so grateful that your support helps fund that care.”

He also expressed thanks to the Hospiscare Ottery St Mary support group for its fundraising events.

A Hospiscare spokeswoman said: “We were thrilled with the success of the week-long celebration sale - the shop made more than £3,500 which is fantastic. We are so grateful to Claire, her team and everyone in Ottery who supported us during our special week. This donation will make a big difference to caring for local people with a progressive life-limiting illness.”