Exeter Retirement Village raises £10,000 for Children’s Hospice South West after year of fundraising

Residents at a retirement village in Exeter have raised more than £10,000 for a leading local children’s hospice after a year of community fundraising.

More than 200 residents and 30 members of staff at Millbrook Retirement Village, in Topsham Road, joined forces throughout 2025 to support Children’s Hospice South West through a wide range of events and activities.

Initiatives included a sponsored walk, charity dinner, Christmas craft fair, concerts, raffles, patio cleaning and even sales of hand-knitted socks. 

The combined efforts resulted in a final total of over £10,000 being donated to the charity.

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The money was formally presented earlier this month at the village’s regular coffee morning. Resident Faith Walter handed over the cheque on behalf of the Millbrook community to Henrietta Olsson from Children’s Hospice South West, alongside Gita Rae, Chair of the Millbrook Residents’ Association.

Both Mrs Walter and Mrs Rae thanked everyone involved for their generosity and commitment over the past year.

Children’s Hospice South West was chosen as Millbrook’s charity of the year following a vote by residents. 

The organisation provides specialist palliative, respite, end-of-life and bereavement care for children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses, as well as vital support for their families across the South West.

Gavin Hogg, Village Manager at Millbrook, said the cause had clearly struck a chord with the Exeter community.

“Children’s Hospice South West is a charity that means a great deal to our community,” he said.

“The dedication shown by our residents and staff throughout the year has been truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to present this donation. The funds raised will help support the vital care the charity provides to children and families across the region.”

Each year, residents at Millbrook nominate and vote for a charity they would like to support, reflecting the village’s focus on giving back to the local community.

Following the success of last year’s fundraising, residents have now chosen St Petrock’s, the Exeter-based homelessness charity, as their next cause for 2026.

Millbrook Retirement Village, owned and operated by Inspired Villages, offers over-55s independent living within a secure and sociable community. 

Facilities at the Exeter site include a swimming pool, gym, cinema and restaurant.

Village leaders say the latest fundraising effort highlights the strong community spirit among residents and their ongoing commitment to supporting good causes close to home.