THE largest grant this year was awarded to Katharine House Hospice in Banbury, and staff, patients and volunteers have said they are delighted.


The organisation, which provides free care for people with a terminal illness, applied for a sum of £7,265 to go towards a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.


Partnership fundraiser at the hospice, Daphne Robertson, said it was “a very pleasant” surprise, to hear they had received funding. 


She said: “We know it’s a very competitive scheme and we were absolutely thrilled.


“We have already ordered the vehicle – a Vauxhall Vivaro Combo – which can actually fit in bigger wheelchairs. 


“We have a wheelchair vehicle already but it’s quite old. We will be using this one to take people to and from the hospice, and to appointments.”


The organisation had already received a donation of £10,500 towards the vehicle, which costs more than £17,000. 


When the van arrives in the new year, it will mean more people with terminal illnesses can attend the Banbury hospice for vital support.