Volunteers for Pembrokeshire's only hospice-at-home service, The Paul Sartori Foundation, will now have a higher profile at fundraising events after a donation from Valero's Pembroke refinery meant they were able to buy branded t-shirts publicising the charity.

Paul Sartori charity manager, Sandra Dade, said that there are 240 volunteers spread over the charity's nine shops, and many of their supporters raise much needed funds with sponsored runs and similar activities.

"We decided to produce T-shirts so that people know who we are. When our supporters are raising money for us through runs or even working in our shops, it will be completely clear what the money is for. It spreads the message of what Paul Sartori does and gives our volunteers and supporters a sense of belonging," said Dade.

The Paul Sartori Foundation employs registered nurses and carers with specialised skills to help care for those at the end of their lives, bereavement counsellors to provide support for both patients and their families, as well as therapists and a physiotherapist. There is also an equipment loan scheme.

Much of the work is with respite care as often elderly patients will have a spouse of a similar age with children who have moved away. So it is important to give the carer a break, be that shopping, going to the bank or just a night off for a rest.

Valero's public affairs assistant William James said: "At Valero we recognise the important role volunteering plays in sustaining our communities, which we actively promote through our own employee volunteer council. So when we saw the opportunity to help raise the profile of the Paul Sartori volunteers, who give so much of their time and effort to this wonderful charity that has touched so many people's lives over the years, we leapt at the chance to help."

Dade said: "Support from companies like Valero is crucial, we wouldn't survive without this sort of sponsorship and it goes a very long way. The cost of a bed in a hospital or a hospice is very expensive and if people want to be at home, it can help the community in a variety of ways, mainly by putting the hands-on care of nurses directly in patient's homes. Valero always really help us out and has been a fantastic support to us over the years."