FORCE benefit from Foundation funds

Exeter Chiefs star Kai Horstmann was on hand to proudly hand over the keys to the new FORCE Cancer Charity van, which has been partly funded by the Exeter Foundation.

Set up in 2010 by some of Exeter’s top names in business and sport, the Foundation not only helps to raise vital funds for worthwhile local charities, but it also supports key projects across the region through money raised not only at Chiefs' match-days, but at various fundraising events throughout the course of the year.

For Kai, these latest handover to FORCE (Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter) had extra meaning as it was his late father-in-law, Dr Chris Rowland, who helped to set-up the charity which is based within the grounds of the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in 1987.

The new van - which will be used for specialist work in Exeter, Tiverton and Okehampton - was officially handed over to FORCE Chief Executive Officer Meriel Fishwick by Kai and Exeter Foundation chairman Tony Rowe OBE in a special ceremony conducted at the charity's headquarters.

Open every weekday, the FORCE Support and Information Centre offers a relaxed and comfortable setting where clients can seek information and advice, as well as discussing any needs relating to cancer. However, the need to get out into the wider community - such as areas like Tiverton and Okehampton - mean the new van will be invaluable in helping the charity's trained staff provide vital assistance to those in the local community.

Commenting on the arrival of the new van, Meriel said: "Through their generous contribution, Exeter Foundation have helped us launch our new outreach cancer support projects, initially in Tiverton and Okehampton.

"The van is essential to transport our staff and equipment and the colourful sign writing creates better awareness of our work across Devon. I also hope it will help raise the profile of the excellent work Exeter Foundation do in our community."

Kai himself said he was delighted to see that the work of the Foundation - which is the official charity of the Exeter Chiefs - was able to help such a worthy cause. He added: "FORCE is a charity that is very close to my heart, particularly due to the fact that my late father-in-law helped to set it up. The work the charity does across Devon is amazing and I know that the new van will further enhance what they can do within the local community.

"The Exeter Foundation is a brilliant organisation and helps to raise thousands of pounds each year for charities and groups around the local area. The donations - like that of which they have given to FORCE - can make a huge difference and I'm delighted to have been able to have taken part in this latest launch."