A HOSPICE providing care for Somerset adults and their families for the past 40 years has received a donation of nearly £300 from a bake-off organised by the Minehead branch of Specsavers, the optician’s.

Specsavers staff were inspired to begin fund-raising for St Margaret’s Hospice, in Taunton, after the grandmother of one of the team was cared for by hospice nurses following her cancer diagnosis.

Everybody at the store chipped in by baking cakes and helping with displays.

Specsavers Minehead optometrist director Simon Simmonds said: “St Margaret’s Hospice is a vital charity helping Somerset people and it has a special place in our hearts because we have friends, relatives, and colleagues who have benefited from their support.

“Our colleague Cassie Salter has been supporting her grandma Sylvia with cancer.

“We thought the bake-off fund-raiser was perfect because Sylvia used to regularly come into the store on Fridays with cakes and goodies.

“I am incredibly proud of the team and grateful for their efforts to make this fund-raiser such a success.

“Throughout May, we hope to continue to raise funds for this important charity and help it to continue providing services to those who need them.”

The Specsavers Minehead team sold their cakes at the bake-off for £1 each, raising a total of £273 so far.

Ms Salter said: “Raising nearly £300 from the cake sale – that is a lot of cake.

“Our team and our generous customers have shown incredible commitment to making a difference for such a wonderful charity.

“I am really grateful for everybody’s generosity.

“Anybody else who has had a friend or relative who has been cared for at St Margaret’s Hospice will know exactly how extraordinary their work is, so please do visit our JustGiving page and make a donation.”