Hospice named UK's large charity of the year

Chief executive, Stephen Roberts, holds the award and is flanked by hospice staff Darren Wheelhouse, Sharon Johnson, Kirsty Jenkins and Megan Jacobs. Far left is the awards host and far right is the award sponsor

A Devon hospice has been named the UK's large charity of the year.

North Devon Hospice, which cares for about 2,500 patients each year, won the title at the Third Sector Awards 2025 on Friday.

Chief executive Stephen Roberts said he was "really grateful" for the dedication and passion of the charity's staff and volunteers.

Mr Roberts said it was "wonderful" to see the charity recognised against other big organisations such as Royal British Legion Industries, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and the RNLI.

'Faster and effective'

He said the judges recognised the charity's initiatives, including a primary schools programme that attempts to "normalise conversation about death and dying to make it a less of a taboo".

Judges also acknowledged steps taken to make access to its care "faster and effective", including an ambulance pathway to transport patients to the hospice, avoiding "unnecessary hospital admissions", Mr Roberts said.

"We're lucky to own a field next to our hospice here in Barnstaple and we've turned it into a secure dog walking field to generate an income as well which is going really well," he said.

"I think sometimes when you're in a bit of a crisis economically, it's amazing what a bit of lateral thinking can do."

Katy Rodgers, 33, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, said the hospice had made "such a difference" to her.

She said: "When I found out that my cancer had spread, and is now life-limiting, it was a lot to process.

"But the hospice has been there for me, with counselling sessions to help keep me level-headed, and even physiotherapy to help me live well and independently."

Mr Roberts said the charity was experiencing a "higher demand" for end of life care across North Devon.

"You've got the highest number of patients and families we've ever looked after, at the same time every single possible cost has gone up," he added.

"It certainly makes the challenge of delivering outstanding end of life care even harder when demand is high and the cost base is high as well."