CHRIS and Kate Baylis hosted more than 150 guests at their annual Christmas party at Canonteign House, to raise funds for St Petrock’s, Exeter’s charity for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed.

Guests enjoyed a magical evening with drinks and canapes served to the backdrop of bell-ringers and carols sung by the Exeter Cathedral Choir.

The evening raised more than £23,000 for St Petrock’s.

These funds are so desperately needed as the number of rough sleepers on the streets of Exeter has doubled this year.

The Canonteign Christmas fundraiser came the same week as St Petrock’s launched their film campaign – A Day in the Life of St Petrock’s.

Kate Baylis, a trustee of St Petrock’s, commented: ‘We are absolutely thrilled by the support we have received from Exeter businesses and the community this Christmas. We know the extra funds are needed this year more than ever.

‘We want to say a big thank you to our sponsors: Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, Rathbones, Lycetts, Jackson-Stops, Michelmores and Canonteign Falls, as well as to the raffle prize donors, and all the guests who bought tickets and made donations to support St Petrock’s.’

Peter Stephenson, St Petrock’s director said: ‘The annual fundraising event at Canonteign House is a great opportunity for people to celebrate Christmas and also contribute to the work of St Petrock’s supporting people for whom Christmas will look very different.

Peter Stephenson, Director of St Petrock’s and
Claire Wright.
Peter Stephenson, Director of St Petrock’s and Claire Wright. (Emma Solley)

‘Each year we are blown away by people’s generosity, and this really helps us keep providing essential services for people without a home.

‘Sadly, rough sleeping in Exeter has doubled in just a year, and the winter months can mean extreme hardship for those forced to live on the streets.

‘We will continue to do what we can to help those who have nowhere to call home.

‘We really appreciate the hard work by Kate Baylis for organising such a wonderful event – and for opening up her home in this way. Thank you Kate!’

Donations to St Petrock’s Christmas campaign can be made at stpetrocks.org.uk.