A GROUP of Angels has lived up to its name by raising the enormous sum of half a million pounds for their hospice.

The St Michael’s Hospice motorcycle fundraising group the Hospice Angels was formed by Mike Pullin in 2003, who began collecting money for the Bartestree-based charity in 1996.

‘I never thought we would raise this amount of money,’ said Mike.

‘We owe a huge thank you to those generous people we have met along the way.

‘We have a very loyal group of friends who are all committed to fundraising.’

Mike’s fundraising began in 1996 at his 60th birthday party when he asked guests to donate to St Michael’s in lieu of gifts, helping raise £1,650.

He later formed the Angels who have since visited 19 different countries, collecting money and raising the profile of St Michael’s at each venue.

In 2016, the group successfully raised £80,000 to coincide with Mike’s 80th birthday - reaching the significant milestone during a Christmas Eve collection in Hereford’s High Town.

But having achieved half a million, the group isn’t stopping there.

The Angels have already decided to get behind the Hospice’s new My 35 for St Michael's project by pledging to raise £35,000 in 2019 to coincide with St Michael’s 35th birthday.

Mike’s extensive and committed fundraising was recognised in 2012 when he was awarded the British Empire Medal for outstanding dedication to raising funds for the hospice.

‘To raise half a million pounds is a stunning achievement which will have helped many families and their loved ones across Herefordshire and beyond,’ said Mike Keel, the hospice’s chief executive.

‘Thank you to Mike and all the Hospice Angels for their support and dedication to St Michael’s, and of course to those who have given so generously over the years.’

Anyone who would like to know more about the Angels can contact Mike Pullin on 07454 155411. He will be happy to give a talk and show a film about the Angels’ adventures.