A CHARITY that helps people affected by cancer has expressed its ‘immense’ gratitude to a complete stranger who has gifted it £1,000.

The generous handout to Exeter-based FORCE is the latest act of kindness from a mystery benefactor in Sidmouth known only as The Quiet Philanthropist.

A good cause has benefited from the cash sum every month as the pensioner, who wants to remain completely anonymous, does not want to see the money end up in the hands of the tax man.

The Herald has been handing over the cash to surprised charities that benefit Sidmouth residents on behalf of the widow or widower since July last year.

The benefactor, whose life has been affected by cancer, said: “There’s a lot of people who need support. I hope this will be a little help for them [FORCE].”

Mervyn Hayes, Friends of FORCE co-ordinator, said: “A donation of this size always makes a huge difference. Every penny is spent helping local people.”

The cause is committed to funding research, purchasing equipment for the oncology department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and supporting patients and their families.

“We are immensely grateful to this benefactor,” added Mr Hayes.

“It’s such a huge contribution towards our running costs.”

The philanthropist, who believes in ‘doing good by stealth’, wants to see their money go to local causes and not the Treasury.