AN AXMINSTER estate agents has raised �6,000 to a local charity which cares for the terminally ill.

AN AXMINSTER estate agents has raised �6,000 to a local charity which cares for the terminally ill.

McKinlay's chose Hospiscare as its charity of the year in memory of owner Karen Bostock's father-in-law, John, who was cared by the charity during the final months of his life.

The agency has raised a total of �10,000 this year - with a variety evening, coffee mornings, cake sales, sponsored cycle rides and even 'name the chicken' event.

Karen said: I would have been the first to admit I had seen the name Hospiscare but was not fully aware of its role and the service this charity provided, until we needed them.

"We never think a terminal illness will happen to someone close to us, but when it does, it is a real body blow.

"So along with making money to help them, I would also like to make people aware of this charity and just what they do."

She praised the Hospiscare nurses, who have visited her family since the death to see how they are coping.

Hospiscare staff care for hundreds of people and their families in Exeter, Mid and East Devon. There is an active support group as well as a Hospiscare shop in Axminster.

Twenty eight community nurses offer patients care and support in their own homes, and the hospice in Exeter cares for patients who need 24 hour medical support - from pain relief, to symptom control. Day care is also available at Seaton, Exeter and Tiverton.