Like many other charities, Seaton and District Hospital League of Friends have had a very challenging year.

The League's charity shops, which usually provide a regular source of income, are again closed for the second national lockdown so the charity is now relying entirely on the support of the local community to help raise the £250,000 needed to fund its palliative care service, Seaton Hospiscare@Home.

This service is funded by the league but provided by Hospiscare, for patients registered with medical practices in Beer, Colyton or Seaton.

The latest donations made to the League of Friends include £480 from Axe Vale Canoe Club, raised at the annual Ace Race, held just before the first lockdown in March, which attracted more than 100 competitors.

Gill Hamlett of Axe Vale Canoe Club said: "This five mile race is an excellent introduction to canoe racing and also provides a challenge for the more experienced paddler.

"Following the recent sad death of Sheila Holland, a loved member to cancer, the club wanted to show their admiration and gratitude for work done to support patients dealing with cancer in their homes."

Dr Mark Welland, chairman of Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends, said: "The League is very grateful for the support received from the Axe Vale Canoe Club. These are challenging times for charities, with most events cancelled and fundraising income very much reduced.

"Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends is a local charity and is dependent on the generous support of local community minded groups and individuals. This allows us to fund the palliative care service Seaton Hospiscare@Home.

"There is nothing but praise received for the wonderful nurses who provide care to those who are nearing the end of their lives. The nurses also remember the family and friends of the patient and their guidance and comfort is greatly appreciated.

"We wish to continue supporting this service and are grateful to those who help us to do so."

Other recent donations have come from Waitrose and the Beer Action Group.

Fore more information on Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends or the Seaton Hospiscare@Home service, contact the League manager, Lycia Moore, on 01297 20143 or email [email protected].

Photo (L-R) Shirley Robinson (League Trustee), Geoff Hunt (Axe Vale Canoe Club), Gill Hamlett (Axe Vale Canoe Club) and Mark Welland (League Chairman).