Local charity Sidmouth Hospice at Home has marked the first anniversary of its new palliative care nursing team.

The new service, funded by Sidmouth Hospice at Home and provided by the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, started in January 2021 and so far has supported 115 patients and their families.

The nursing team is on call 24/7 to provide palliative care visits for patients in the Sid Valley.

A local couple, Michael & Margaret Brooke, are currently getting support in their own home from the team three times a week.

Mr Brooke, 80, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Thanks to support from the charity and its symptom control system, he can remain at home with his wife and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

Mrs Brooke said: "I cannot thank the team enough for their kind support and care to Michael, who has got to know the nurses and we both know they are there night or day to visit if needed."

Nurse Specialist Team Manager Mary Ashby said: "We are here to help our community care for each other. We feel honoured to be welcomed into your homes and privileged to be able to provide our specialist care as acceptable to our patients and their loved ones.

"We work closely with your GPs and our RD&E colleagues to enable care that is caringly individualised for each of our patients."

The team also provides practical help, psychological and emotional support, as well as transport, befriending services, and bereavement support.

Sidmouth Hospice at Home receives no government funding, instead relying on donations and legacies.

If you would like to donate, click here.

For more information about the charity's services you can call Natalie Searle on 01395 578707.

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