The votes are in and Kent Messenger’s Charity of the Year for 2018 can now be revealed.

A dozen charities fought for the public vote to wear 2018’s crown, with the ballot closing on Thursday afternoon.

Commanding 25% of the vote, Heart of Kent Hospice has been crowned charity of the year for 2018.

Chief executive Sarah Pugh said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as Kent Messenger’s Charity of the Year for 2018.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for the hospice.

"To have received 25% of the vote is, I feel, tribute to the outstanding care our team provides.

"Working together with Kent Messenger we will be able to raise awareness of our services among the growing number of people who need our support.”

The hospice, based in Aylesford, cares for more than 500 patients at any given time, offering support for patients, their families and carers to help come to terms with their diagnosis.

As well as a 10-bed inpatient unit, Heart of Kent Hospice’s outpatient centre, Magnolia Place, offers a broad range of services including art and garden therapies, reminiscence activities and more.

When applying for the coveted title, the charity told Kent Messenger: “By becoming the KM Charity of the Year we hope that more people will understand who we are, what we do and how we can help.

“Achieving this would mean more people with a life-limiting illness will be able to receive specialist help and support to fulfil their goals and live as full as life as possible.”

A total of 38 applicants put their names forward to claim the title, which was shortlisted down to 12, with each hoping to feel the benefits of Kent Messenger championing their cause for the next 12 months.

More than 2,600 people cast their vote via KentOnline, with the Preston Hall-based hospice picking up 644 votes.

Heart of Kent Hospice will now benefit from direct fundraising support and will have its profile raised by Kent Messenger over the next 12 months, after coming top of the poll when it closed at 12.30pm on Thursday, December 21.

Claire Whybrew from the hospice said: “Together, we believe that we can create a strong united message, raising awareness of the work of the hospice and helping more people who need it most.”

Last year, the hospice cared for 1,300 patients as well as providing support their families.