Charities

Local care home worker a tour de force for cancer charity

Tony Howard, Hotel Services Manager at The Lodge, an Elizabeth Finn Care Home in Exeter, completed the challenging 100-mile route of The Nello 2026 to raise funds for Force Cancer Charity.

The Nello, Devon’s major cycling event which starts in Topsham, was originally launched in 2000 by Marc Millon in memory of his friend Nello Ghezzo. Since this first Nello Century Cycle Challenge, the ride has raised more than £1.4m for Force Cancer Charity, which works to support people in Exeter and Devon who have been affected by cancer.

A keen cyclist, Tony was inspired to take...

The Community Cookery School at Westbank launches new courses to support charity's work

The Community Cookery School at Westbank launches inspiring new courses to support the charity's work

Authored by Sharon Goble
Posted: Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:59pm

The end of June marked the start of an exciting opportunity for would-be cooks to learn essential kitchen skills at Westbank Community Health and Care’s bespoke teaching kitchen in Exminster. A 6-week Learn to Cook course for beginners started on Monday, 29 June (with places still available), and a second one will begin on Monday, 17 August. The courses are friendly, supportive workshops for people with little or no cooking experience. Participants will learn to prepare simple homemade meals with practical support throughout. Each week includes demonstrations, guided practice and tasting...

Westbank's Katie Elliott, centre, with the supportive team at Nettl

Westbank at 40 supports 40,000 people and celebrates with a new fundraising campaign

Westbank Community Health and Care is marking its 40th anniversary with a milestone achievement - supporting 40,000 Devonians on their journey to improved health, wellbeing and community connection.

During a celebratory year for the award-winning charity, Westbank is providing a lifeline to more people than ever before through a diverse range of community-based services. These include: Devon Carers, Devon Parent Carers (launched this year), Health Walks, The Community Cookery School, The Community Hub, Community Larders, The Gym, Community Transport and Social Prescribing....

Riders line up for the start of the Nello

FORCE Nello cycle ride has big target for 2026

Around 1,000 cyclists are gearing up for one of the region’s most popular charity cycle events with a mission to support more Devon families affected by cancer.

FORCE Cancer Charity’s Nello ride is on Sunday June 28, starting and finishing at Topsham Rugby Club.

It has raised around £1.5 million since it was established in memory of Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo in 2000.

That money supports people across the county – patients and their loved ones – dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

More and more people are being diagnosed with cancer every year and that...

Daisy’s cancer fight inspires fundraising challenge

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 06/24/2026 - 8:48pm

A DEVON optician is preparing to run the Grand Western Canal, having been inspired by his best friend’s daughter who’s been battling acute leukaemia.

Neil Millen, a director at the locally owned and run Specsavers Bideford, is pulling on his running shoes to raise as much money as he can for the charity Cure Leukaemia after seeing 15-year-old Daisy McGowan battle the disease for two years.

To raise further funds, Daisy’s father Scott is tackling all 21 stages of the Tour de France route – 3,333km and 5,4450m of ascent – on behalf of Cure Leukaemia, as part of a group of...

Ken Wood was the first carer to receive his Wellbeing Box

Launch of Wellbeing Gift Box initiative for Devon’s unpaid carers during Carers’ Week

Unpaid carers in Tiverton are the first in Devon to have received free Wellbeing Gift Boxes as part of a county-wide joint initiative between Devon Carers at Westbank and Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT), supported through funding from Open Up, the Trust’s charity, launched during Carers’ Week (8th - 14th June 2026).

The Wellbeing Boxes are being gifted to individuals who provide care and support to someone experiencing mental ill health, in recognition of the vital role they play and the challenges they may face in their caring role. It’s a ‘gesture of recognition’ to show them...

Making a difference for blind or partially sighted people in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 06/11/2026 - 8:07pm

ENERGETIC optometrist Emily Bennett is donating much-needed funds to help people living with sight loss.

Emily, who works at Specsavers Exeter, raised the money by taking part in the Great West Run Half Marathon, after which she collected £440 for Devon in Sight.

She says: ‘Through my work in Specsavers, I see first-hand the impact that sight loss can have on people’s lives.

‘It’s not just about vision – it can affect independence, confidence, mental health, and daily activities that many of us take for granted.

‘Devon in Sight provides vital support,...

Pet charity Blue Cross thanks Devon volunteers

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 06/08/2026 - 5:43pm

This Volunteers’ Week, Blue Cross in Devon is thanking its team of dedicated volunteer pet foster carers who go the extra mile to care for homeless animals until permanent owners are found by caring for them in their own home.

From small pets like degus and chinchillas to dogs, cats and even horses. The charity is also calling on local animal lovers to find out more about becoming a volunteer foster carer and sign up.

Last year the rehoming centre on Matford Park Road in Marsh Barton, Exeter, helped nearly 1100 pets, and so far this year has helped nearly 500.

...

The organisers of a fundraising quiz standing together

Quiz for legal community raises £2.3K for Balloons charity

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Sat, 06/06/2026 - 1:44pm

The Family Law Company ’s annual quiz raised an impressive amount for Devon charity Balloons , which supports the needs of bereaved children and young people in Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

Quizzers came from a wide section of the legal community including judges, barristers, Cafcass and local law firms. The event was held at Exeter City Football Club’s Heritage Lounge.

Before the quiz kicked off, Balloons Fundraising Officer Nasim Hartman provided insights about the charity, which is celebrating its twentieth year.

11 teams took part, with Stephen Sowden from...

Rowcroft Hospice completes major refurbishment to improve accessibility and comfort

Authored by Daisy Hall
Posted: Tue, 06/02/2026 - 5:52pm

Rowcroft Hospice has completed a refurbishment of its Inpatient Unit, made possible by a government grant to improve the hospice’s buildings, facilities, and equipment. The work has focused on making the hospice in Avenue Road, Torquay, more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable for patients and their families.

Led by Gill Horne, Rowcroft’s Programme Director - Care Services, the project was shaped by extensive conversations with staff, patients with life-limiting illnesses, and families to ensure the changes reflected their needs. The refurbishment included a new ensuite single...

Applications open for three £50,000 donations

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 06/02/2026 - 4:49pm

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has opened its second funding round for registered charities helping young people into work.

Applications opened on Monday 1st June with a total pot of £150,000 available for UK-based projects focused on employability, children and young people aged 14-25, and areas of economic and social deprivation.

The Foundation supports projects that address deprivation or disadvantage, especially among young people. These include social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training. Since 2021, the Foundation has donated over £3...

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