Member Article

Exeter cancer charity benefits from homebuilders’ Community Fund

An Exeter-based charity which aims to improve the quality of treatment and care available to cancer patients and their loved ones has been given a boost by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.

FORCE (Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter) received the £1,000 donation from the five-star homebuilders Community Fund - with the donation going towards supporting cancer patients and their loved ones with physical, emotional, psychological and practical support.

The scheme forms part of the five-star housebuilder’s pledge to strengthen its ties with the areas in which it is building new homes, and has fast become established as a dedicated resource for backing local causes which improve the quality of life for those living in the region.

Nicki Reid, sales director from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes said: “As the nation’s leading homebuilder, we strive to create a positive legacy in the areas that we build in – and Exeter is no exception.

“FORCE provides an essential service, with its team working tirelessly to provide the best possible support and treatment for those living with cancer. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work they will achieve this year.”

FORCE was established as a charity in 1987 and has grown steadily ever since. In 2004 it opened a purpose-built Cancer Support and Information Centre, with a further extension opening in 2012, allowing the team to support even more people affected by cancer.

Maintaining its core belief that people deserve the best possible treatment, face to face and close to home, FORCE extended its services to Tiverton and Okehampton in 2014, followed by Honiton in 2018. The charity also continues to fund an extremely productive programme of cancer research with results published both in the UK and at an international level.

Oliver Watts, Fundraising Development Officer at FORCE, added: “To maintain the level of service we offer across the region, we need to raise £1.7 million annually so we are over the moon with this generous donation from the Community Fund.

“We rely entirely on voluntary donations to maintain the services we offer and, as we receive no Government or NHS funding, every little bit helps. Our desire to support our community is matched by the fantastic and selfless ways the public find to support us. It is that mutual love, respect and support which we believe makes our charity unique and so very special.”

Barratt Homes is currently bringing new homes to its Minerva development, located off Tithebarn Lane. Providing a selection of two, three and four-bedroom homes, Minerva boasts excellent commuter links as well as its own 15-acre country park, while also enjoying close proximity to the local train station, shops and highly rated schools.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .