THE team at Wellington Motors has been helping a Somerset charity to support their patients.

Thanks to a generous grant from the firm’s charitable trust, St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice was able to purchase two new Nissan minibuses.

The specially adapted minibuses will be used to bring patients to and from the St Margaret’s Hospice at both Taunton and Yeovil, and also enable staff to be out in the community, offering other services to parts of the county.

The units provide hospice day services, outpatient clinics and support groups, as well as inpatient care.

Clinical director, Joy Milliken, said the vehicles would help patients in a range of different ways.

She said: “It can be a real struggle for some patients to benefit from all of St Margaret’s services because they have no way of getting to us.

“We are so grateful for the minibuses.

“We will be able to support more patients and families across Somerset, enabling them to get the help they need from us that will help to make each day count at home.”

Corporate and partnership fundraiser, Claire Hart, also thanked the firm – and others in Wellington – who help through donations of time and money.

“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful support that we get from local businesses and the wider community, without which we’d be unable to provide support to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness across Somerset,” she said.

St Margaret’s Hospice as a charity, has been at the heart of Somerset’s community, for 35 years.

Staff at the centre strive to make each day count through the delivery of high quality, responsive, compassionate care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness.

As well as helping with the grant, staff from Wellington Motors also took part in the Taunton Area Motor Trade Charity Bowling event, which saw them help raise money for the hospice, which also has a base in Yeovil.

On the night, the County Gazette team claimed the title as champions at the event.

Competing teams and sponsors were Amicus Solicitors, Barclays Bank, Brakes Motor Company, Hearns of Taunton, Future Law, Full Stop Fire & Security, Mercedes-Benz Taunton, Rowcliffes Taunton, Shires Mazda, Somerset County Cars, County Gazette, Somerset Motor Home Centre, Staceys Motors, Stealthlink, Summerfield Developments, Taunton Audi, Total Triumph, Wellington 4x4, Wellington Motors 4WD Centre & Wellington Motors Nissan.

Overall the event raised £3,129.37 for the St Margaret’s Hospice.

And Claire said staff were bowled over by the amount raised.

“We are delighted with the continued support that the Taunton Area Motor Trade and associated businesses have given our charity and we would like to pass on our sincere thanks to all involved,” she said.

For any further information on the annual Taunton Area Motor Trade Charity Bowling event please contact Dawn Findlay on 01823 667511.