Ottery 'French Chef' says thank you for support - including generous anonymous donation

A man from Ottery St Mary has raised nearly £3,000 for Hospiscare during lockdown - helping the vulnerable dressed as a French Chef.

Paul Godfrey has been mowing lawns and carrying out odd-jobs for people in self-isolation, whilst dressed in a costume some may recognise from his involvement with the Ottery Food and Families Festival.

Paul was spurred into action after hearing of the 1m deficit faced by Hospiscare, who rely solely on charity events and do not receive government funding.

Paul told Sidmouth Nub News: "Coincidently, today would have been my father's birthday - he died last year - but for the eight years prior to his death Hospiscare provided amazing support for him, and my mum.

"I wanted to do something to help and given the lockdown situation we were just entering at the time, I thought it might be nice to provide a service for vulnerable people in isolation.

"I've been carrying out odd-jobs as requested by people, mowing lawns mainly, whilst dressed as a French Chef.

"The costume is something I've worn as an organiser of the Food and Families Festival, as a way to entertain the kids.

"About a month ago, however, I was going to call it a day - having exceeded my original target of £250 - when an anonymous donation was made on my Just Giving fundraising page of £1,000 along with a message of encouragement telling me to 'keep up the good work'.

"I still have no idea who donated the money, but it motivated me to continue and I've now raised £2946.25 - and will hopefully hit £3,000 over the coming weekend.

"It's been amazing and the people of Ottery have been fantastic in supporting me."

Click here to donate to Paul's fundraiser for Hospiscare.