A Honiton volunteer who has supported Hospiscare since it started out four decades ago has won Hospice UK's Volunteer of the Year award.

Mary Bolshaw not only fundraises for a charity close to her heart; she also cares about those attending her events, building special relationships within the community. Many of her friends have attended her events, and then gone on to use the Hospiscare's end of life services when diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Mary's fundraising events range from table top sales to coffee mornings, and most recently an elegant afternoon tea for more than 80 people in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, complete with immaculate linen and fine bone china.

The Hospice UK awards took place in November 2022 at the Hospice UK conference in Glasgow to celebrate the outstanding work taking place in hospices across the UK and the people involved with them.

Hospice UK CEO Toby Porter said: “Mary’s enormous contribution really stood out to us. She has helped raise over £1.1 million and has given much time and energy supporting the Devon hospice in a range of ways."

Hospiscare’ s Head of Public Fundraising, Sarah Smith, said: “Hospiscare was founded by volunteers and more than 40 years on, volunteers remain at the heart of our charity. We are beyond thrilled that Mary has been recognised with the Hospice UK Volunteer of the Year Award in light of her extraordinary contribution to the hospice and our local community for over four decades.

"This is a brilliant opportunity for all of us at Hospiscare to say an enormous ‘thank you’ to Mary for her outstanding generosity, commitment and support to the hospice and our patients.”

Regional fundraiser Toni Hiscocks said: "Community fundraising activities raise money to allow Hospiscare to provide specialist end-of-life care to local patients facing terminal illness whilst also supporting their loved ones. 

"Without the generosity of community, Hospiscare would not be there for these families, providing this vital care and support and allowing them to spend precious time making memories with those they love during the most difficult time."