Hospiscare has paid tribute to an incredible’ and ‘dedicated’ couple who have raised more than £36,000 for the charity.

Dave and Ros Hancock, of Newton Poppleford, will host their final coffee morning on Saturday, December 3, after 13 years of fundraising.

The couple’s involvement began after their friend Sylvia Davey was diagnosed with cancer and wanted to organise an event for Hospiscare, but sadly died before it took place.

Dave, 78, said: “We said we would carry it on for her sake. We got family and friends to help us and we did another one.

“We have them at Easter, summer and Christmas. Without her instigating it, it wouldn’t have started.”

Following a tour of the hospice, the couple said they wanted to keep raising money for a ‘worthwhile cause’.

Dave said: “We wanted to repay the hospice for all they’re doing by holding a coffee morning to see if we could raise some money.”

The great-grandparents have hosted three coffee mornings a year and regular car boot sales after residents began donating unwanted items.

Due to health reasons, the couple will not host another coffee morning but are encouraging someone to take it on.

“We are sad in a way that we have to say enough is enough. I’m still going to carry on doing the car boots for as long as I can,” said Dave.

To mark their last coffee morning the couple will be dressing up in festive costumes.

It will take place on Saturday, December 3, in Newton Poppleford Village Hall, between 10am and noon.

Entry costs £1. Refreshments and stalls selling a range of items will be available.

Lauren Mercer, community fundraiser for Hospiscare, said: “The support, dedication and commitment that Ros and Dave have shown to Hospiscare is incredible and we can’t thank them enough. They have worked tirelessly for over 13 years to support our work and the money they have raised will have helped countless patients receive outstanding care.

“Hospiscare is very lucky to have such dedicated supporters, without people in the community like and Ros and Dave Hospsicare would not be able to provide care through Exeter, Mid and East Devon”