With a dedication to the very best care, and an innovative approach to raising funds in an incredibly difficult climate, North Devon Hospice was named the top charity in the UK at the prestigious Third Sector Awards
The impact of North Devon Hospice on the people it serves has been celebrated on a national level, after the charity was awarded the most prestigious honour at the recent Third Sector Awards. Being named Charity of the Year across the whole of the UK reflects how North Devon Hospice has gone the extra mile to make the biggest difference possible.
Hospice Chief Executive, Stephen Roberts, said the accolade recognised the hard work of so many people. “It was quite a shock to hear that we had just been named the top charity in the whole of the UK, especially when we were nominated alongside household names like Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Royal British Legion.” he said. “But this award is fully deserved, for all our incredible supporters across the community, the volunteers who give so much of their time, and our staff who are always going above and beyond to provide the best care possible. We are so proud to be putting North Devon on the map, showing how the power of this community can achieve amazing things."
North Devon Hospice cares for patients facing a life-limiting illness, while supporting their loved ones emotionally every step of the way. One person who is not surprised by North Devon Hospice’s award win is Katy Rodgers. At just 33 years of age, she is being supported by the charity having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“There is so much more support on offer from the hospice than I ever realised. It’s made such a difference to me, so I think this award is very well deserved.” she said. “When I found out that my cancer had spread, and is now life-limiting, it was a lot to process. But the hospice has been there for me, with counselling sessions to help keep me level-headed, and even physiotherapy to help me live well and independently. I even have a hospice nurse who checks in with me and will visit me in my home to offer support whenever needed. It’s really comforting, knowing that North Devon Hospice will be there for me every step of the way, and will help my friends and family come to terms with it all too.”
Donna DaSilva is one of the community nurses who cares for people like Katy in their own homes. She said it was a privilege to work for a charity that can make such a difference to the people they care for. “I feel very lucky, as a nurse, because I get to help people at such a crucial time in their life. It’s a privilege to visit people’s homes across the area and build relationships, getting to know them and learning how I can help. I’m incredibly proud to work for North Devon Hospice, because I see how everyone pulls in the same direction, with everyone focussed on how we can be giving the very best care. To have this effort recognised, and to say we work for the top charity in the whole UK, is just amazing.”
Being named Charity of the Year was in response to how North Devon Hospice has responded to the many challenges facing the sector right now. Stephen Roberts said that, despite this amazing award, those challenges are still there.
“More and more people need the care of North Devon Hospice every year, but it’s harder and harder to raise the funds required to provide it.” he said. “We’ve had to be smart in how we reach more people with our care, as well as how we raise enough money, and that’s why our work has been recognised in this way. But without the ongoing support of the community, we cannot provide this vital care, which is relied upon by over 2,000 local people every year. We hope this award will give people the confidence to support the charity, knowing that their donation is genuinely making a real difference.”
To support the work of North Devon Hospice, visit northdevonhospice.org.uk.
