GERALD Brook's fundraising swim to raise funds for St Michael's Hospice has exceeded his expectations with an excess of £5,300 counted and more pledges arriving.

Gerald, who swam over 80 lengths on his 80th birthday, says he is overwhelmed by the generosity of local people, family and friends as the money will go towards nursing care at the hospice where he has now visited to meet with St Michael's fundraising manager, Paddy Nugent.

Gerald also met nurses Lorna Bannam and Jane Gennard before being given a guided tour including a new shed bungalow for informal meetings, conversations and quite contemplation, the outreach bus, the Labyrinth, art installation fountain and sculpture, wild flowers beds and vegetable garden, education classrooms and a range of other facilities.

Gerald's briefcase contained the money that he presented to Paddy and expressed his gratitude for the care his late wife had received.

Gerald said he felt rather melancholy during his visit, yet also uplifted by the wonderful developments at St Michaels, which are provided for the benefit of residents, families and friends.