After a year in which Rennie Grove Hospice Care cared for a record number of patients across Herts and Bucks, the charity would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the community who has given their support.

This year local people have run, walked, climbed, cycled, sung, knitted, worn groovy shoes and even dressed as Santas to raise money to support our services provided both at Grove House and in patients’ homes.

Businesses, groups, pubs and restaurants from across the area have also played their part with quiz nights, dress down days and lunches just a small selection of the fundraising activities undertaken.

Rennie Grove chief executive Jenny Provin said: “This fantastic support has enabled us to care for 3,000 patients and families, providing patients with real choice about how and where to receive care and families with the support they need to help their loved one live life as fully as possible throughout their illness.

“At Grove House we have introduced a range of new services and, as a result, have seen a 47 per cent increase in those attending Grove House and there are plans for more new services in 2015.”

2015 also sees the charity mark 30 years of caring for patients in the local community. Initially as independent charities, Grove House and Iain Rennie Hospice at Home both started from small beginnings in 1985. Now as Rennie Grove Hospice Care, the original principle of high quality patient-centred care is still the driving force behind the organisation and will remain so into the future.

Jenny added: “It is wonderful to have seen so much support for the charity during the course of 2014 because we know that the numbers of local people needing our care is predicted to rise steeply in the coming years. Unfortunately this means that the amount of money we have to raise to ensure they receive this care also needs to rise and the support of the local community is going to be more crucial than ever.

“Please keep an eye out in the Herts Advertiser and on our website for our fundraising events and activities in 2015 and continue to support us whenever and however you can.

“On behalf of all the families you have touched, thank you once again for your support and may I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year from everyone at Rennie Grove Hospice Care.”