A local fundraising group is celebrating a remarkable milestone after raising £177,500 for North Devon Hospice. The Riverside Support Group has reached its 25-year anniversary, having started with a small meeting of neighbours in 2001.
Humble Beginnings
Founded by Mary Miller, the group has spent a quarter of a century bringing people together on both sides of the River Taw and Torridge. The incredible total raised could fund a specialist nurse for more than three and a half years or provide more than 2,200 home visits for patients.
Community Events
The group, originally known as the Instow and Yelland Hospice Support Group, hosts a variety of beloved local events to reach its goals. Popular highlights include the Wineman's Bluff competition, festive Christmas markets, and busy cafés at the Appledore Book Festival. Community members also look forward to their open garden days which feature traditional Devon cream teas and strawberries.
Tributes to Founder
Jenny, who served as chair for 14 years, said: "Mary had this extraordinary gift for bringing people together, which has continued on within the group. Every quiz night, every cream tea, every slightly chaotic garden party has been so much more than just fundraising. It's been about friendship, laughter and community, and I think that's exactly what Mary intended. Reaching 25 years feels like the most wonderful way to honour her memory."
Continued Leadership
Janet took over the leadership in 2018 and has continued to grow the group's efforts throughout this landmark year.
Impact on Hospice
Becky Brennan, from North Devon Hospice, commented: "What the Riverside Support Group has achieved is just incredible. Every hour of every day, North Devon Hospice gives outstanding care to people living with a life-limiting illness, wrapping up the whole family so every precious moment can be lived with support and dignity. None of that is possible without people like this. To put the £177,500 they've raised into context, that could have funded a nurse on our Bedded Unit for more than three and a half years, or around 2,274 visits by our Clinical Nurse Specialists to patients being cared for in their own homes. Behind every one of those numbers is a patient and a family who needed us. The Riverside Support Group has helped us be there for them."
Get Involved
The group is always looking for new people to join the fold, whether you wish to plan events or simply help out on the day. If you would like to support their ongoing mission, the Riverside Support Group would love to hear from you.
