THIS week we're shouting about a local hospice that has given help and support to families all over Swindon when they needed it most.

Prospect Hospice's dedicated end-of-life care team has been a vital source of comfort and compassion for thousands of people with relatives and friends who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses over the last 39 years.

Many of the charity's supporters who tackle marathons, mountain climbs and other fundraising feats have taken on these challenges to show their gratitude for the services the hospice provided for their loved ones.

The Wroughton-based charity touches the hearts and minds of people from all over the country.

Keen runner Richard Deaman completed the Bath Half Marathon and raised £620 to thank the hospice for making the last four months of his father's life as peaceful as possible.

He said: "We were able to use the time we had with dad to reminisce and enjoy our time together. The half marathon was an emotional day. I felt privileged to be able to run the race and remember my dad whilst supporting the hospice. I was touched by the way that my friends, family and work colleagues had supported me with my challenge.”

Richard Newport swam an average of 64 lengths a day at his local pool in Marlborough throughout 2018 until he had completed the length of the River Thames to raise £1,187.10 in memory of Carol, his wife of 46 years, who spent 10 days at the hospice.

He said: "The support we received was second to none. When Carol first came into the hospice, a member of the IPU team took my 14-year-old grandson into a private room and spoke with him about everything.

"They listened to his worries and really helped him understand. It meant an awful lot to the family."

The charity relies on donations to keep going and organises a jam-packed schedule of events to raise the millions of pounds it needs ever year to provide palliative care.

The Easter egg trail is coming up at Stanton Country Park on April 21 from 10am to 1pm with 12 hidden eggs scattered around the park with designs by Swindon primary school children.

The hospice's biggest yearly event is a 5km dash around Lydiard Park, Run the Rainbow, which returns on September 14.

Anyone who would like to help Prospect by setting up a stall at one its upcoming events, taking part in the Easter egg hunt or rainbow run, donating good quality second-hand books, DVDs, clothes and bric-a-brac to one of its 18 charity shops, or tackling a fundraising challenge should visit prospect-hospice.net

Is there something about Swindon that you want to shout about? It could be a well-known charity like Prospect, an under-appreciated community group, a kind-hearted resident that helps out around town, or anything and anyone who makes a positive difference to the lives of people in Swindon.

Get in touch by calling 01793 501734 or email daniel.angelini@newsquest.co.uk