Volunteers are at the heart of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), and their dedication plays an essential role in helping us continue delivering vital care to babies, children and young people with life‑limiting conditions and support to their families. Every hour they give, every skill they share, makes a tangible difference to the support we can offer families. From helping at events and tending hospice gardens to offering specialist skills, volunteers bring a wealth of personal experience and give invaluable support that strengthens all areas of our work, helping to make our hospices feel like home.
Among these extraordinary people is Tony Hemming from Withypool, who has supported CHSW for many years. Tony first learned about the charity during his final visit with his late mother, discovering that she had been a long‑standing supporter. Her final wish was that he continue supporting the charity she cared so deeply about, and Tony promised her that he would. He has honoured that promise ever since.
In 2010, Tony organised the Great Bradley Game Fair, raising over £16,000 for CHSW, and fifteen years later, in May 2025, he arranged another clay pigeon shoot, raising more than £11,000. Tony’s latest Country Fair which was held in May 2026 has brought his grand total raised for CHSW to over £50,000! A big thank you to Tony and to Hilary Watson (pictured below), who manages Tarr Farm Inn, who helped to plan and deliver both country fairs.
Tony’s incredible support will help to ensure CHSW can continue providing essential care and support to families across the South West when they need it most. His talents, however, extend far beyond event organising and fundraising.
CHSW Area Fundraiser Debbie Birtwisle explains:
“Last year, when Tony arrived at the hospice to deliver another donation, he struck up a conversation with Gary, the Site Manager, who mentioned that the flower planters on the patio were in need of replacement. Without hesitation, Tony took out his tape measure, noted the dimensions and set off home to get to work. Not long after, he returned with two beautifully crafted large wooden planters, ready to brighten the patio. And he didn’t stop there. During that same visit, Tony noticed several smaller planters outside the children’s bedrooms that were also looking worn. Once again, he measured them, went home to his workshop, and made six stunning replacement planters, delivering them back to Little Bridge House with humility and care.
Another volunteer, Brian Tancock from Fremington, one of Gary’s dedicated gardening helpers, then stepped in to support Tony’s work. Brian spent hours carefully coating each planter to protect and preserve Tony’s craftsmanship, before planting them up with cheerful spring flowers that now greet families as they walk through the hospice garden. A huge thank you to them both.”
Recently, Tony and Brian met at Little Bridge House to see the garden in full bloom, a celebration of their teamwork. Tony and Brian’s story illustrates the many ways people can get involved with volunteering for CHSW. Whether through fundraising, crafting, gardening or simply lending a helping hand, every volunteer contributes to creating an environment where families feel supported, understood and at home.
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with CHSW, visit www.chsw.org.uk/volunteer