When a 12-year-old boy raised money for a Gloucestershire hospice charity he never thought it would result in him being introduced to HRH The Prince of Wales.

Owen Chesney, from Cheltenham, met The Prince during a visit to Longfield, in Minchinhampton, near Stroud today. 

The Prince, who is Patron of the hospice charity, paid what has become a regular Christmas visit to chat to patients, carers and families.

Owen raised more than £500 in memory of his 38-year-old dad Rob, who died in June following a brain tumour.

Longfield Hospice at Home nurses supported Rob and his family at his Gloucester home for three months.

Owen, his grandparents Steve and Kathryn Chesney and his aunt Julia Chesney-Roberts explained to The Prince how Longfield had supported them.

“I play rugby and The Prince asked what position I play,” said Owen, who lives in Cheltenham. “No one at school will believe me when I tell them who I met.”

Emma Wherlock, from Stroud, who attends the bereavement group, told The Prince how Longfield had supported her and her son Ryan Davis.

Hospice at home nurses cared for Ryan, who died at home at the age of 22. Emma said Longfield has been her lifeline.

“Ryan received such dignity and care and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn’t for Longfield,” she said.

“Longfield is the only place I can go and simply be myself as I come to terms with what has happened.”

During his 90-minute visit The Prince chatted to people who are benefiting from Longfield’s new services to help people with life-limiting illness to live well.

He also made a clay heart which will become part of the art installation to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary.

Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive of Longfield, said The Prince took time to speak with all the patients and staff.

“We are delighted His Royal Highness continues to support Longfield as we move our services more into the community and enable more people in Gloucestershire to get the care and support they need.

“It is a particularly important visit for us as it marks the beginning of our 30th anniversary celebrations and we explained to His Royal Highness our ambitious plans for the year ahead with our focus on Gloucester.”

Baker Shani Wills, who runs Hampton Cakes, donated a special cake to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary.

Pictures by Antony Thompson of Thousand Word Media