THE DUKE of Gloucester was set to visit Paul Sartori earlier this week but was held up due to poor weather.

His Royal Highness, Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester was set to visit Paul Sartori Hospice at Home to see their new purpose-built offices, which they moved into in 2017.

Previously the charity had been based in a four-bed house, which could no longer support demand.

The office was officially opened on Thursday, October 4, 2018, by Lord-Lieutenant Sara Edwards on behalf of The Duke of Gloucester.

The Lord-Lieutenant and other official dignitaries were given a tour of Paul Sartori House where they were introduced to service users, volunteers, staff and Trustee past and present.

Val Harrold, 70, from Haverfordwest who started as a service user and moved on to volunteer for the service, came to see the Duke open the new site.

She said: “I came to Paul Sartori for bereavement counselling after my husband passed away. I went in too deep depression after he passed.”

Val said that after Paul Sartori helped her through her dark times she wanted to give something back to them.

“I do reception once a week, in the new reception area and whenever they want me to fill in. It’s the best thing I have ever done. It is giving something back.”

Sara Edwards, who opened the site on the Duke’s behalf, said: “The Duke of Gloucester was very disappointed not to be able to attend the opening.

“However, he was there in spirit and would try his very best to visit the new premises at a later date.”

Phil Thompson, MBE, Chair on behalf of the Board of Trustees, said: “The team was looking forward to the Duke’s visit.

“However, The Lord Lieutenant has been a great supporter of the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Services and this gave the Lord Lieutenant time to spend meeting and talking to the service users, volunteers, clinical team and other team members.”