Winchester Rotary has raised more than £25,000 for Winchester Hospice.

The funds were raised through the club's fundraising efforts during the 2023-24 Rotary year.

The total amount raised will help fund Winchester Hospice, which is only partly funded by the NHS.

The cheque was presented to Maddy Thomson, the clinical lead for end-of-life care, and Nick Vaughan, chair of the hospice trustees.

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The money was raised through the club's fundraising activities (Image: Winchester Rotary) The presentation was attended by club members, including 2023-24 club president Les Haswell, current president Paul Russell, and fellow members Nick Bell and Diana Brooks.

The funds raised were partly due to the Watercress Way sponsored walk organised by Nick, and the sales of children's books written by Diana.

Jo Westerman, fundraising officer at Winchester Hospice, said: "We’re incredibly grateful for the invaluable support we’ve had from Winchester Rotary.

"They’ve been incredible supporters of ours since we opened three years ago, and even before that, helping to raise the funds to build the hospice.

"Their support means that our team is able to be there for local people and their families when they need us most."

A spokesperson for Winchester Rotary said: "Winchester Rotary has been privileged to support the hospice and its dedicated staff in providing care not only in the hospice building but a home service to the community."

Winchester Rotary has been a long-time supporter of Winchester Hospice.

The hospice opened three years ago, but the Rotary Club had helped to raise funds to support the project to convert the semi-derelict Burrell House into a 10-bed palliative care facility for the people of Winchester and the surrounding area.

Like most hospices, Winchester Hospice is only partly funded by the NHS and relies heavily on donations, bequests, and fundraising events organised by its fundraising team, as well as support from organisations like Winchester Rotary.