Celebrations as North Devon Hospice is named UK Charity of the Year

North Devon Hospice is celebrating after being named UK Charity of the Year at a top national awards ceremony.

Dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the charity world, the Third Sector Awards held in London on Friday (September 12) saw North Devon’s much-loved local charity chosen as the winner in the large charity category over nation institutions such as Great Ormond Street and the Royal British Legion.

North Devon Hospice staff travelled to London to attend the swish awards ceremony at The Hilton in Park Lane and were left stunned to hear they had won.

READ NEXT: North Devon Hospice has been nominated for UK Charity of the Year

Above: North Devon Hospice at Deer Park in Barnstaple has been named UK Charity of the Year. Credit: North Devon Hospice

Hospice chief executive Stephen Roberts said the accolade recognised the hard work of so many people. He added: “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.

“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.”

Above: North Devon Hospice patient Angela welcomes a visit from a therapy dog – one of the many caring reasons why the hospice has won the national Charity of the Year award. Credit: North Devon Hospice

The hospice was founded in Barnstaple in 1981 and for more than four decades has cared 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-old, she is being supported by the charity having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Katy said: “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.

“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.”

Above: North Devon Hospice community nurse specialist Abi chats to a local patient. Credit: North Devon Hospice

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.

Donna said: “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.”

READ NEXT: Community invited to celebrate 10 years of care at The Longhouse

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.

“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 more than 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.”

If you would like to support the work of North Devon Hospice or find out more, please visit https://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk