FUNDRAISING for the Children's Hospice South West's Precious Lives appeal has got off to a flying start in West Devon. CHSW, which already has hospices in North Devon and now near Bristol, last September announced its plans to create a third hospice to support life- limited children and their families in Plymouth and Cornwall. The Precious Lives appeal aims to raise £5million to build the new hospice and provide the first year's running costs. West Devon residents and businesses are throwing their weight behind the campaign, with the famous Horn of Plenty restaurant at Gulworthy starting the ball rolling with its £12 charity lunches between January 8 and February 10. Judy Pride, the hospice's community fundraiser for West Devon, said: 'This year, to really make a difference to the new appeal, the Horn is also offering a three course evening meal for £20 every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening during these dates. 'Chef Peter Gorton is also running the London Flora Marathon for Children's Hospice South West and we hope diners will take the opportunity to sponsor Peter for this truly great effort. 'We are really grateful and somewhat overwhelmed that such a prestigious venue is supporting us to this extent. 'Peter and his business partner, Paul Roston, are really pushing the boat out for us this year. 'As well as the new evening meals, they are also hosting an art exhibition in April for us. 'I hope everyone who has always wanted to eat at this fabulous restaurant will now be able to book one of the evenings and support the appeal for our third hospice.' There are many other events planned in West Devon in the coming months to support the Precious Lives appeal. The Tavistock Friends of CHSW are holding a quiz night on January 19 in Whitchurch Village Hall, regular stalls in Tavistock Pannier Market on the first Saturday of every month, and a special dinner dance in the town hall in September. The Buckland Monachorum Friends of CHSW will be organising a barn dance at Buckland Abbey — there is also an evening of magic, a snowdrop garden and a fashion show to look forward to. Eddie Farwell, whose late wife Jill Farwell founded the first children's hospice at Fremington in North Devon, said it had been thought for some time that a new hospice to support families in the South West was required. He said: 'A children's hospice serving Plymouth and Cornwall will complete the final jigsaw in a network of children's hospice care, stretching from the West of Cornwall to South Gloucestershire. 'Children's Hospice South West has unrivalled expertise in providing such specialist health care and engaging with local communities and the families of affected children. 'Through our two other hospices in Devon and Somerset, the Cornish hospice will benefit from an expert network of professional support and advice.' To find out how to support the Precious Lives appeal, or for more information on Children's Hospice South West fundraising events, go to the website at http://www.chsw.org.uk">www.chsw.org.uk Anyone who would like to see the hospices at Little Bridge House or Charlton Farm can also take advantage of their January Open Weeks. To arrange a visit, call 01271 325270 or email [email protected]">[email protected]
