THREE decades of generosity and community spirit were celebrated as the Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity marked its 30th anniversary with a special event recognising it supporters.

Donors, fundraisers, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and community organisations gathered to reflect on the charity's achievements since its establishment in 1996 and to celebrate the difference their contributions have made to patients, families and NHS colleagues across South Devon.

The anniversary event highlighted the charity's role in funding projects that go beyond what core NHS budgets can provide.

Over the past 30 years, donations have helped transform healthcare environments, improve patient experiences and support staff wellbeing across hospitals, community services and adult social care settings.

During the past year alone, the charity has supported more than 50 services and teams across the organisation.

Projects have included funding specialist equipment to improve comfort for people undergoing cancer treatment, creating opportunities for young adult carers to develop confidence and resilience, and enhancing care environments for patients, visitors and staff.

The charity has also worked with arts organisation Make Southwest to introduce art and creativity into healthcare settings, helping create more welcoming and inspiring spaces across the Trust.

Guests at the celebration heard first-hand accounts of the charity's impact over the years and reflected on the fundraising events, donations and acts of kindness that have helped shape its work.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for the charity to thank those whose continued support has enabled it to fund initiatives that would otherwise not have been possible.

Chair Dr Martin Beaman said the anniversary was a celebration of the community that has stood behind the charity for three decades.

‘This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the generosity and community spirit that helps make so much possible across Torbay and South Devon’, he said.

,For 30 years, our charity has supported projects that enhance care, improve environments and create opportunities for patients, families and colleagues.

,We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the charity over the years and proud to be part of a wider network of community groups, local charities, businesses, volunteers and supporters who make such a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of our communities’.

Fundraising Manager Becky Chown said the event was dedicated to thanking the people who have supported the charity throughout its history.

‘Our Charity simply wouldn't exist without the generosity, passion and commitment of our supporters’, she said.

‘Every person who has donated, fundraised, sponsored an event, volunteered their time or championed our work has helped us make things better for patients, families and colleagues. It was wonderful to come together and celebrate the people who have made such a difference over the past 30 years’.

Among those attending the celebration was supporter Judith Burgess, who praised the charity's achievements.

‘It was most interesting to learn about all the good things you have achieved in the last 30 years’, she said. ‘Keep up the good work’.

Looking ahead, Ms Chown said the milestone was not only a chance to reflect on the past but also to recognise the continued strength of support for the NHS across Torbay and South Devon.

She added: ‘We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished over the past 30 years and grateful to everyone who continues to support our charity and the communities we serve’.