REFURBISHMENTS to Sidmouth Hospiscare s May Terrace headquarters have given the building a new lease of life.

REFURBISHMENTS to Sidmouth Hospiscare's May Terrace headquarters have given the building a new lease of life.

The new-look base for the charity's four nurses, was officially opened by East Devon MP Hugo Swire on Saturday.

Among those attending were Eileen Bird and Eileen Newby, founders of the charity in 1984. Trustees and some of its 30 volunteers were also present.

The Sidmouth charity focuses on the community within the Sid Valley and has good links with Exeter Hospiscare, allowing its nurses access to current medical information.

A major leak led to the work being carried out, which involved repairing the roof as well as re-vamping space inside to provide overnight accommodation for nurses or relatives of patients who need to stay the night, a new lounge used to hold meetings for the recently bereaved and bigger office space for secretary Carrie Machin.

Office space for its four nurses, Rachael McKinnon, Sarah Shaw, Julie Morris and Chrissy Hussey, has also been upgraded and a library area provided for reference books and quiet study.

Mrs Machin said: "We had a leak in several places on the landing and realised something had to be done.

"The nurses felt the lounge needed a facelift, they need somewhere calm to talk to someone who is ill or bereaved.

"The building has been given a new lease of life."

Mr Swire congratulated Sidmouth Hospiscare trustee Mike Welch and Mavis Browning, volunteer co-ordinator, on the work carried out to provide a comforting and welcoming atmosphere.

He said: "It is worth remembering that Sidmouth Hospiscare is totally dependent on private funding and whilst of course there are a number of worthy charities in the Sidmouth area I do urge readers of the Sidmouth Herald to support this worthy organisation in any way they can."

The charity has been funded by the local community for many years and provides a free service to those living within the Sidmouth area.

Mr Welch, former chairman, thanked everyone involved with Sidmouth Hospiscare over the years, from its founders, trustees and nurses to its volunteers and back-up staff.

*Sidmouth Hospiscare was left a property in All Saints Road in 1987 by a Miss Keel. Its sale funded 5 May Terrace in 1998, which was named Keel House.