A HOSPICE for people with life-shortening illnesses held its first fundraising coffee morning of the year.

EllenorLions Hospice held the event at its base in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, on Friday, and 220 people turned out to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

There was also a raffle and stalls selling jewellery, books and homemade cakes, raising £2,278 for the hospice’s care for the terminally ill.

Sarah Dell, a community fundraiser for the hospice, said: “We are grateful to everyone who helped us raise funds at the coffee morning, as the money makes a huge difference to a lot of people.”

As well as providing residential care, the hospice also sends nurses out to the homes of patients in in Bexley, Dartford and Gravesend.