A FARMER’S daughter from Mary Tavy is encouraging people to get together and hold a fundraising coffee morning this February which will support St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth to provide local families with vital care in the community.

Sandra Fry has been a supporter of St Luke’s Hospice since her father, Douglas Bowhay, died in the comfort of his family home, thanks to the support of the hospice.

Sandra said: ‘His last days and hours were here with us and the animals, but only because we had the help from the wonderful people at St Luke’s.

‘The way their nurses Derek and Cathy came in and talked to him on his level, cooed over his cattle and sat at our kitchen table offering support and advice was just what he needed. Without them I don’t know how we would have coped.’

Just after her father’s death, Sandra spotted it was the St Luke’s Coffee Morning month and wanted to get involved. Their first event raised £1,500 — enough to get nurses out to two other families. Sandra and her mother’s enthusiasm has grown since then and this year they will be taking on their third event to ensure others receive the same level of incredible care.

Sandra added: ‘My tips would be that you just need to ask people to help and you will be surprised at what people will do — St Luke’s has touched so many lives like ours. It’s also important to go back to people after and tell them how much you raised. Have a clear plan and it all comes together.’

Sandra and her mum Mary will once again be hosting a coffee morning in aid of St Luke’s at the Coronation Hall in Mary Tavy on Wednesday, February 22 between 10am and noon.

St Luke’s Coffee Morning month is throughout February and events can be as big or little as you like.

Even £50 pays for an hour of intensive care from a St Luke’s specialist unit nurse.

If you can do something incredible for your community, the charity is asking people to get in touch with the community fundraising team on 01752 964427 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/coffee