The group was formed in 2001, and the drive to support the hospice was done under the guidance of Richard Snow, the fundraising manager at the time.
Each year the group, chaired initially by Margaret Swaite and in recent years by Jean Saggers, organises a variety of events.
These include their own Light Up A Life remembrance services, Voices for Hospice events, coffee and crafts mornings, an annual quiz and street collections. The quiz event alone raises around £1,000 annually.
Chiara Creates, the hospice’s Relationship Fundraising Coordinator, said: “We are delighted with the Friends’ notable achievement.
“Everyone involved deserves a big thank you. We are also extremely grateful that the group continues to raise significant funds for the hospice.”
Tony Wadsworth, the group’s Treasurer, also manages the collection of boxes across Paddock Wood.
He said: “We are so pleased that the Friends Group has raised such a significant sum for the hospice.
“We know how important the funds are to the vital work of the hospice.
He added: “I think this is not only recognised within the Friends Group but, given the support we receive, within the Paddock Wood community as a whole.”
