PATIENTS and staff in a hospice that provides care for South Gloucestershire people welcomed the return of a special visitor in the form of soap actress Fiona Wade.


Ms Wade, who plays Priya Sharma on ITV’s Emmerdale, visited St Peter's hospice on Friday, January 16 to meet patients and staff and raise awareness of hospice care.


The actress, dubbed one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming stars, visited the hospice in Brentry, and took a tour of the grounds for the second time since her first visit in 2013, when she also donated items to the St Peter's Hospice shop in Westbury-on-Trym.


Ms Wade, whose cousin Roya Rosengren is an ambassador for the hospice, said: "Visiting St Peter’s Hospice is something very close to my heart as my father passed away from oesophageal cancer very suddenly. I understand how important places like St Peter’s Hospice are to give comfort, respite and a nice environment to those who are poorly and in their last stages of their life.


“I feel passionately about hospice care and think more people should be aware of the amazing and vital work hospices like St Peter’s are doing every single day, up and down the country. Many don’t realise that hospices are mainly funded through local fundraising and rely on public support to continue.


“I first visited the hospice in 2013 and couldn’t wait to come back this time and meet more of the inspirational patients and nurses working here. I’m pleased to be an advocate for the work they do.”


Head of supporter relations at St Peter’s Hospice, John Flanagan, said: “It was wonderful to have Fiona visit us in Bristol again this year. As always visits like this give patients such a boost and everyone thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting to her.


“Collectively hospices in the UK care for around 360,000 people every year and the service we provide really does change lives, providing care, dignity and compassion for people facing the end of their lives.


“As an advocate, Fiona is doing a great job at spreading the word and opening people’s eyes to the importance of hospice care.”


St Peter’s Hospice is a charity which supports adults with life-limiting illnesses, and cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members.


All services are provided free of charge but this care costs around £18,630 a day.


For around £14,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops.


To find out more about St Peter’s Hospice please visit www.stpetershospice.org.