RUNNERS raising cash for Hospiscare in the Great West Run received five star treatment at the event recently.

The local charity's fundraising team played drums and cheered the runners at the start of the race in Exeter's Sidwell Street. When runners finished they were invited to the Southgate Hotel which kindly hosted a Hospiscare thank you party.

Runners were able to shower, enjoy a much needed massage from Hospiscare volunteer complementary therapists and relax on the terrace with coffee.

The 32 runners have raised thousands of pounds towards Hospiscare's £5m annual bill to provide professional help and support annually to 2,000 people and their families living with a terminal illness.

During the past year in the Okehampton area, Hospiscare nurses have made home visits to 133 people living with a terminal illness, with 16 people from the area admitted to the Hospiscare hospice in Exeter during the past year. Currently Hospiscare nurses are caring for 50 people in the Okehampton area.