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Thomas Westcott has named Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) as the company's first ever charity of the year.

The independent accountancy practice, which had 17 offices across Devon and Somerset, has chosen to support CHSW in 2021, the charity’s 30th anniversary year.

Partner and head of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team Ian Huggett said the firm's 250 members of staff were being encouraged to take part in the charity’s events, as well as organise their own fundraising activities.

“We are delighted to confirm CHSW as our charity of the year,” he said.

“When deciding on

There is no doubt John Burge’s Christmas lights raised many smiles in his home-town of Worle. John once again transformed the front of his house in Spencer Drive into a vintage toy shop to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

John’s 'bigger and better' eye-catching design attracted much attention and was featured on a variety of television programmes and news reports over the festive period. His home also came first place in the Illumination Street Competition for the best small outdoor display.

John first began decorating his home for charity in 2011 and for the past few

Emily Morrison from Portishead has created some beautiful Valentine’s cards which she is selling with all proceeds to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Emily runs card-making business, Little Carbon Footprints, and is committed to using recycled, sustainable materials to create her designs. She was inspired to fundraise for CHSW having read about the work it does with local children and families.

She said: “I’m offering my Valentine's cards for a suggested donation of £2 or £3 depending on style, with 100% profits going to CHSW. I will need to charge postage, the price of the stamp, and

A painter and decorator from North Devon has taken up a special January running challenge to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Alex Davey, from Barnstaple, is running 5km every day this month to support the charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021.

The married dad-of-two said running every morning before work had been a huge undertaking, but he was determined to complete the challenge – despite blisters, cold and dark January mornings, and juggling the demands of running his own business.

Alex, 38, said: “This has taken a lot more discipline than I thought

Children’s Hospice South West has launched a brand-new initiative for companies based across the South West – the CHSW Business Club. The charity is encouraging others to join with them to show their support for CHSW’s work with local children and families in what is its milestone 30th anniversary year.

Sixteen businesses have kick-started the Club by becoming Founding Members. These include: Second Mountain Comms, The IT Storeroom, ABL (South West) Ltd, Moon Executive Search, National Friendly Financial Solutions (NFFS), Triangle Networks, Wise Coaching, Smarter Changes, Polymermedics Ltd, C

Ann Wilson, from Burton in Wiltshire, has shown great strength and determination during this difficult time. All through the first lockdown, and before she turned 82, Ann decided to raise money for three charities close to her heart by getting on her bike!

As someone who likes to remain active, Ann began with a target of cycling 820 miles ahead of her 82nd birthday. Ann said: “When the first lockdown came into force I couldn't go to the gym so decided to increase my cycling for exercise.”

“When the first lockdown came into force I couldn't go to the gym so decided to increase my cycling

A teenager from Willand has completed a very special 63-mile charity challenge, despite still recovering from Covid.

Jack Balchin, 13, tested positive for the virus in April last year and has been running throughout December and January to aid his recovery, as well as raise hundreds of pounds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Mum Emma said Jack set himself the target of covering the distance from Exeter to the charity’s Little Bridge House hospice near Barnstaple and ran through wind, rain, ice and hail before completing his challenge on Saturday (January 9).

“Jack started running one

Marcus Gater from Portishead has cycled the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats and raised £775 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Marcus, the Commercial Director for Allegro Logistics by day and a spin teacher by night, has supported CHSW in a number of ways in the past, but always by using pedal power!

He’s previously taken part in the CHSW’s popular 3-day cycling event, Ride for Precious Lives, and his spin group at the Hub in Portishead where he teaches, hold a class for charity every December.

Marcus took a positive approach at the end of last year and said as well as

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 …and everyone is welcome to join the party!

During the last three decades, the charity has provided a safe haven of care, support and friendship for thousands of local families with a life-limited child. And in its 30th year, supporters are being asked to help it create more cherished memories for many years to come.

A £1m fundraising appeal to build the South West’s first children’s hospice was launched in 1991 by Eddie and Jill Farwell, who experienced the urgent need for hospice care for local children. Their

Local singer, John Prescott, has been entertaining the public by socially-distanced busking and doorstep singing around Clevedon in support of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

John said: “One of the days started with an invitation to sing safely outside for residents at a local home. It was lovely to see them smiling through the doors. On another cold and wet night I surprised abirthday girl and family friends that deserved some Christmas cheer!”

He continued: “It’s been a rollercoaster year with probably some of the biggest hurdles we’ve ever had to face. Although we haven’t been able