MAYOR of Newton Abbot Cllr Liz Roberts paid a fact-finding trip to Rowcroft Hospice.

She was given a tour of the facilities in Torquay and heard from staff how the centre operates.

Several months ago, the hospice announced it was facing a funding crisis with a £1 million shortfall leading to job losses and launched a major fundraising drive.

Cllr Roberts said: ‘I felt very humbled to be asked to visit Rowcroft Hospice in my capacity as mayor of Newton Abbot.  

‘I was given a brief outline of the work carried out at the hospice before going on a tour of the facilities.

‘I met many of the nursing and administrative staff whom I found to be very friendly, warm and professional. I admire the work carried out at Rowcroft and was astonished at the high percentage of money to run the facility comes from the community with the remainder from the NHS.

‘I hope the good work can continue and that the community can continue to support. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and thank you to all concerned.’

From left is Hayley Norrish, community fundraising manager, Cllr Liz Roberts and Daniela Hopkins, family and friends’ fundraising manager.