THE Cinnamon Trust in Hayle celebrated 40 years of service and support to older people, the terminally ill and their beloved pets with a special visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester on Friday [July 11].

The royal visit recognised the charity’s remarkable legacy, dedicated efforts and profound impact on thousands of lives nationwide. The trust was founded in 1985 by Averil Jarvis MBE, who witnessed older and terminally ill pet owners parting with beloved companions due to frailty and illness.

She named the organisation after her own cherished corgi, Cinnamon, who died aged 17 - two corgis from one of the trust’s sanctuaries were among the welcoming party for the Duke’s visit. Volunteers across the UK walk dogs, change cat litter and take pets to vets for owners who are housebound, as well as housing pets whose owners are facing a short-term spell in hospital.

Upon arrival at the charity’s Hayle headquarters, the Duke was welcomed by Deputy Lieutenant Kim Conchie who presented him to staff, volunteers and civic dignitaries including Cinnamon Trust chief executive Patrick Williams and chair of trustees John Dale, Hayle mayor Cllr Jeremy Martin and his wife Tracy, and Hayle town clerk Eleanor Giggall.

The Duke was then presented to the teams responsible for pet welfare at the charity’s premises, engaged in conversation with staff about the many facets involved in delivering the trust’s vital support, and took time to personally greet trustees and volunteers in attendance.

He was then invited to unveil a commemorative plaque in celebration of the trust’s 40th anniversary, followed by the ceremonial cutting of a cake.

Mr Williams said: “We were thrilled to have the Duke visit the Cinnamon Trust for this meaningful milestone, shining a light on its work and introducing him to some of our remarkable volunteers and the precious companions they lovingly support every single day.”