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Sir Cliff Richard 'spreads joy' at hospice

Sir Cliff - seen here meeting fan Ian Passey and his wife - has donated the jacket he wore at the 2013 Wimbledon final

A hospice has said Sir Cliff Richard spread "joy and happiness" when he dropped by the facility to meet with patients.

Thames Hospice, in Maidenhead, provides free end-of-life care for people with life-limiting conditions.

Director of fundraising Jane Symmons said the team was "incredibly thankful" that the Batchelor Boy and Congratulations singer took the time to visit.

Sir Cliff, who donated one of his jackets to the hospice, said it was his "pleasure" to also "meet all the lovely staff and volunteers who work so hard to provide amazing care".

He added: "Meeting some of their patients reminded me how important hospice care is.

"I hope they can raise a lot from my jacket, which is a favourite of mine. I watched Andy Murray win Wimbledon while wearing it."

His "treasured" jacket will be put up for auction at a later date.

Thames Hospice Sir Cliff poses with the hospice's clinical team for a group photo. He's wearing his Union Jack jacket. Thames Hospice
Sir Cliff also spent time with staff and volunteers during his tour of the hospice

During the three-hour visit on Saturday the singer, who achieved 14 UK number one singles, toured the facilities, spoke to the patients, and took dozens of selfies.

The hospice said Sir Cliff's presence "uplifted spirits, as he shared wonderful stories and provided words of comfort, creating very special moments for patients, loved ones, staff, as well as many life-long fans".

Thames Hospice Sir Cliff (holding two sunflowers and wearing a denim jacket) poses with Sunita Arora, Jane Symmons, and head of marketing Stephanie Peters)Thames Hospice
The singer is friends with Sunita Arora (left), an ambassador of the hospice

Ms Symmons said his "kindness and genuine care for our patients, families, and staff have left a lasting impression".

"Visits like this are a meaningful reminder of ensuring patients receive not only medical care, but also emotional support during their time at the hospice," she said.

Sir Cliff is friends with Sunita Arora, an ambassador of the hospice and co-founder of property development company The Arora Group, which has raised funds for the charity.

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