THE impact of North Devon Hospice — which runs The Long House in Holsworthy — 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.

Stephen Roberts, chief executive, said: “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.”

Katy Rodgers, 33, is one of those being supported by the charity. She 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.”

Donna DaSilva, a community nurse 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.”

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.

“We hope this award will give people the confidence to support the charity, knowing that their donation is genuinely making a real difference.”