TAUNTON-BASED St Margaret’s Hospice Care has been awarded £1,000 to help fund end of life care in Somerset.

The donation comes from Persimmon Homes South West’s Community Champions fund, and it could cover the cost of up to 10 community visits, allowing specialist community nurses to provide care and support for patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Kara Frampton, who made the successful funding bid on behalf of St Margaret’s, said: “Covid-19 has taken a huge toll on our ability to fundraise but our services have become busier.

"In the New Year, our 24-hour advice line took more calls than it has taken in its 10 years of existence.

"Anxious and fearful families, carers and patients are relying on this lifeline, and our bereavement team is supporting more families than ever as they cope with their grief and loss in isolation.

“End of life care can’t stop because of Covid-19, and this donation helps us continue to provide care to patients and their families.

"We are so grateful for the support from Persimmon Homes.”

Stacey Harris, sales director at Persimmon Homes South West, said: “This charity has a large impact on the lives of its clients and their families, and we’re humbled to hand over £1,000 funding to the team at St Margaret’s, especially as it will be put to such good use.

“Persimmon Homes South West has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme and it is always a tricky task to pick our winners each month.

“If applicants were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again."

The housebuilder’s national match-funding programme seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life for local people, and each month the Exeter-based builder donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the South West.

Organisations can apply for funding here.