News

A North Devon runner who has inspired thousands by completing endurance runs topless following a double mastectomy is preparing to take on RUN Barnstaple in September once again in support of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

Louise Butcher, known locally and nationally as the 'Topless Runner', will take on this year's RUN Barnstaple Marathon as her seventh marathon, combining her passion for running with her commitment to supporting local charities and promoting body positivity. Ahead of September's event, Louise has been building up her training with a series of races and challenges;

Children and families supported by Little Bridge House enjoyed a day to remember on Sunday 13 July as they took to the skies with volunteer pilots at the Goodridge Children’s Hospice South West Fly Day. For many of the children, the event marked their very first experience of flying, creating precious memories with their families that will be treasured for years to come.

The special day was organised by Exeter-based Goodridge; a leading global manufacturer of performance fluid transfer systems with more than 55 years of engineering expertise and strong roots in the local community.

Familie

Garden lovers are invited to 2 special open garden events this August, with all proceeds supporting families cared for by Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

On Sunday 16 August, from 11am to 3pm, visitors can discover Mitchell Fruit Garden, nestled in the heart of Cornwall just off the A30 at Mitchell, Newquay.

Well known for its pick-your-own fruit experience the garden also features a stunning sub-tropical planting scheme and colourful sunflower field and is run by award-winning garden designer Kim Parish.

Kim hopes to establish Mitchell Fruit Garden as a cultural hub, creating a space

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is delighted to announce that it will be opening a brand-new charity shop in Newquay on Monday 27 July.

The new shop, located on 23 East Street in Newquay, will offer a wide range of pre-loved items, including clothing, homeware, books and accessories. It will also feature a ‘Little Steps’ section, offering children’s clothing, toys and baby items for local families to browse.

Designed as more than just a retail space, the shop will also include a community area, creating opportunities for people to connect, engage and support the work of the charity.

Jerom

90 keen cyclists from across the South West unleashed their pedal power at the weekend by completing a 212-mile cycling challenge, raising more than £280,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The 17th annual Ride for Precious Lives saw cyclists ride from North Somerset to Cornwall over 3 days and was generously sponsored by Edwards Vacuum.

The route started out from the charity’s Charlton Farm children’s hospice in North Somerset on Friday 10 July and stopped off at CHSW’s Little Bridge House hospice in Barnstaple on Saturday and finished at Little Harbour in St Austell on Sunday.

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Bristol-based GRS Stone Supplies has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), by sponsoring this year's Ride for Precious Lives cycling challenge in July.
The latest donation builds on the company's previous support for the charity, helping to raise vital funds to provide expert care to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The company has so far donated £13,500 towards the fundraising efforts of participant Adrian Coombs, who is taking part in the charity cycling event for the 13th year.

Adrian

Red Bus Nursery Downend Raises over £1,000 for Children's Hospice South West at Summer Party Red Bus Nursery in Downend has raised an impressive £1,115 for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) following its annual Summer Party for nursery families.

The event, which took place on 16 May, brought together children, families and staff for an afternoon of fun while supporting a charity that provides vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Funds were raised through a raffle and a range of activities held throughout the event, with the nursery community

More than 80 golfers came together at Lansdown Golf Club to support Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), raising an impressive £1,829.60 through a charity golf day organised by young fundraiser Issy and her grandad, Garry.

The event, held on Sunday 17 May, brought together golfers, supporters, friends and family for a day of sport and fundraising in aid of CHSW's Charlton Farm children's hospice near Bristol.

Issy, from the Kingswood area was inspired to support the charity after hearing about CHSW from family friend and volunteer Claire at her local sports club. Wanting to learn more, Issy

Every year ‘Together for Short Lives’ hosts the awareness week to focus on the incredible work that children’s hospices do and raise much needed funds across the UK.

The Bristol Airport team has released details of a charity bike ride that aims to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Children’s Hospice South West, it’s 2026-27 charity partner of the year.

In its biggest challenge yet, staff from the Airport will embark on a 160-mile bike ride from Tenby in Wales to the Airport, visiting Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm Hospice in Wraxall en-route. While there will be some flat

Throughout 2025, Pure Professionals proudly supported Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) as its Charity of the Year, raising funds through a series of team fundraising initiatives.

The company’s biggest challenge saw members of the team take on the demanding 58km Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in support of their local children’s hospice. Alongside the trek, employees also took part in CHSW’s £50 Challenge, organising fundraising activities including a Christmas cake sale, raffle and office sweepstake.

The funds raised will help CHSW continue providing care and support for babies, children