THE dedication of hospice fundraisers was celebrated on Friday.

St Michael's Hospice held its vice patrons event to thank its proficient and prolific fundraisers at the hospice's Basil De Ferranti House base in Aldermaston Road.

The array of guests had the chance to enjoy nibbles, champagne and strawberries and cream while mingling with fellow guests and hospice staff.

Iain Cameron, deputy chief executive of the hospice, said: "Today is all about recognition of the fundraisers that support the hospice.

"We have here around 0.7 per cent of our fundraisers but they deliver over 10 per cent of our fundraising income.

"We went to treat our fundraisers exactly the same as we treat our patients and their families and today is part of that."

Among the guests was David Mason, 35, of Sherfield Park, who, with family and friends, has raised around £8,000 for the hospice after staff cared for his mum Jill who died aged 56 in 2015.

David has taken on events such as the London Marathon and Endure 24 to raise funds.

He said: "They looked after mum and the family, nothing was too much for them. So when you leave at the end and there is no payment or anything like that, you want to give something back to them.

"It is hard to put in words some times. They work tirelessly, the staff, the volunteers, everyone."

Also present at the event were members of the Friends of St Michael's Hospice, a group running for around 26 years, raising more than £85,000 a year and often closer to £100,000 a year for the service.

Jane Lyons, chairman, said: "When you see what the hospice has become over the years, it is incredible.

"People just want do something for their community and support a charity in their community which is great to see."