Staff, supporters, volunteers and patients celebrated five years of the Fern Centre at a special garden party on Monday.
The cancer wellbeing centre at North Devon District Hospital marked the milestone with entertainment by Michael Bublé tribute Mark Daniels, who has received support from the Fern Centre himself.
There was also clog dancing by the Ilfracombe Red Petticoats and music by the centre’s own Hummin’ and Strummin’ group, as well as plenty of homemade cakes!
Centre manager Tara Jones said: “It was a fantastic day filled with smiles, dancing, and cake and wonderful to be able to celebrate with so many of our supporters.
“It was very special to be able to look back at the last five years and celebrate the impact that the Fern Centre has had on the lives of so many people in the local area.
“We were also delighted to able to raise £1,305.43, which will help support our patients, families and carers through their cancer treatment.”
The Fern Centre opened its doors to patients for the first time on July 28, 2020 following a successful ÂŁ1.5m fundraising appeal by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (then known as Over and Above).
During the last 5 years, it has provided thousands of local cancer patients and their families with a whole range of free counselling, complementary therapies, information and wellbeing support.
Royal Devon Hospitals Charity community fundraiser Julie Whitton thanked the local community for its continued support.
“There have been more than 14,000 contacts to the Fern Centre in the last five years from people in North Devon needing financial, emotional and practical support, as well as medical treatment,” she said.
“This wellbeing support is beyond what the NHS is able to fund and the centre is only able to provide it thanks to such incredible backing from the local community.
“The Fern Centre was built by people in North Devon, for people in North Devon and the centre continues to be funded entirely by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, and supported by our brilliant team of volunteers.
“We can’t thank people in North Devon enough for their continued support.”
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