News

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is joining the celebrations of an extraordinary moment of community spirit and recognition, as the steam locomotive ‘ Lord Oliver Brown’, an iconic fundraiser for the charity, secured a national award while also helping mark a poignant date for the family who inspired its creation.

The locomotive, which is owned by CHSW supporter Marc Bellin and based at Plym Valley Railway, was announced as the winner of the Steam Railway Magazine Reader’s Award at the Heritage Railway Association’s annual awards on Saturday 7 March. Up against 9 other significant

A highly successful Bridge Day held at Bridestowe Village Hall has raised £3,870 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) thanks to both enthusiastic players and a remarkable anonymous act of generosity.

The event, organised by Joe Pitt, welcomed 100 bridge players from across the region, travelling from Exeter, Liskeard, Plymouth, Okehampton, Tavistock and surrounding areas.

Attendees enjoyed an expert-led session from Andrew Robson, one of the world’s most renowned bridge teachers and a leading figure in the game. Robson travelled from London especially to deliver the lesson.
The Bridge Day

Dave Boulton from Saltford has gone above and beyond in supporting local charities, raising an incredible £14,010 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) during his tenure as Saltford Golf Club Captain for 2025.

The funds were raised through a wide variety of events, and at the end of 2025, CHSW’s care team were thrilled to welcome Dave and his wife June for a cheque presentation on their second visit to the hospice. The £14,000 raised could help pay for a week of end-of-life care for a family at one of the hospices, providing vital support during an incredibly difficult time.

Dave said:

I

Throughout the year, the Squarebird team came together to support their local children's hospice through a series of creative and challenging fundraising initiatives.

Activities included a team cake sale, taking on the iconic Three Peaks Challenge, donating goods to local CHSW charity shops, and hosting a spectacular 10th anniversary celebration dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol - Cadbury House.

The anniversary dinner proved to be a standout event in the fundraising calendar, bringing together colleagues, partners and supporters to celebrate a decade of business while raising vital funds

Stevens, Hewlett & Perkins is delighted to announce the successful completion of its 2025 Charity of the Year partnership with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), raising vital funds and volunteering time to support families across the region.

Throughout 2025, colleagues across the company took part in a range of fundraising initiatives and volunteering activities, demonstrating commitment to making a difference in their local communities.

Among the highlights was a large bake sale and raffle held in September, which brought staff together for a day of generosity, fun and community spirit

Bristol Rose Mortgages is proud to announce the presentation of its 2025 fundraising cheque to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local babies, children, young people and families.

Throughout 2025, Bristol Rose Mortgages pledged to donate £5 from the completion of every mortgage, matching each donation with an additional £5 contribution. Clients were also invited to donate throughout the year, with the company matching every contribution received. The combined efforts resulted in a significant final total raised

The Brend Collection is proud to announce a new charitable partnership with Children’s Hospice South West, a leading charity dedicated to providing vital care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.

This meaningful partnership reflects the Brend Collection’s long-standing commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates. Through a programme of fundraising initiatives, team-led events, guest engagement activities, and awareness campaigns across its hotels and venues, the Brend Collection aims to

Many people will remember the popular local orienteering night walk, Startrek, which was started in 1992 by the Ilfracombe Rotary and ran for 25 years raising vital funds for local charities including Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). In that time £225,989.43 was raised for CHSW alone.

John Stainer, past President of Ilfracombe Rotary, who was involved with Startrek from the very beginning, shares how the idea started:

The idea for Startrek started in 1990 when a small group of our club members attended a similar fundraising event. They came away enthused and discussed and expanded the

Kerri Beaumont, Legacy Fundraiser at Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), is delighted that solicitors across the south west are joining CHSW for its Write Your Will Week this April.

Those interested in making or updating a Will can do so free of charge at one of the 5 local participating solicitor firms in exchange for a suggested donation to CHSW. The week is running from Monday 27 April – Friday 1 May and solicitors taking part across the region include; Woollcombe & Yonge as well as Howard & Over in Plymouth, Paul Finn Solicitors in Holsworthy and Bude, Tozers in Teignmouth and Exeter and

Visitors enjoyed an early taste of spring on Sunday 15 February at the annual Snowdrop Sunday at Andrews Corner, near Belstone, where hundreds of snowdrops and early spring blooms filled the woodland garden with colour.

Set high on the northern slopes of Dartmoor, the garden created by the Hill family over the past 50 years offered stunning views across the Skaigh Valley, along with the chance to see around 100 different snowdrop cultivars, from the well-loved classics to the more unusual varieties.

Organised each year by Robin and Edwina Hill, members of the Children’s Hospice South West