The Hospice is facing the very same worry as us all as their energy bills double, leaving them with £100,000 to raise to support rising costs.
The Hospice, situated just outside of Durham city centre, provides free care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, people approaching the end of life and people that are bereaved including children and young people.
Hospices were previously protected by price caps helping to offset the alarming cost of energy but since March much of this support has significantly reduced.
The reality is Hospices are receiving minimal discounts, the same as shops, restaurants and even pubs.
Forced to turn to its already generous local communities and business supporters the Hospice has launched its Power Up! Appeal to raise the funds needed to weather the storm that will inevitably reach them this winter.
Last year, Paul Marriott, Chief Executive of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, and the leaders of 11 other independent local Hospices across the Northeast and North Cumbria collectively issued a call to action for Government to respond to the impact of sharply rising energy costs affecting end-of-life care providers.
“We recognise that the current crisis is affecting individuals, commercial organisations, public sector bodies and charities alike. Society is judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable. And people at the end of life, are at their most vulnerable. They are, surely, a special case for additional support”.
The energy crisis, as a significantly impactful issue for Hospices, received coverage across the year featuring on ITV and the BBC with ongoing support from City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy who wrote to the Chancellor specifically on the matter. Durham Council Leader Amanda Hopgood and the new Mayor of Durham, Lesley Mavin have too shown ongoing support for the Hospice.
“St Cuthbert's is there for so many in their hour in need, providing sensitive and compassionate care for people at the most difficult times in their life. I’m proud to be a voice for St Cuthbert's Hospice in Westminster and to back this important fundraising appeal to ensure their vital work can continue in the face of rising costs."
However, despite the coverage and despite the clear ask for help the Hospice is once again turning to those they already rely upon – their very loyal supporters.
St Cuthbert’s Hospice prides itself on being a centre of excellence within our community, providing all-embracing and individualised care to all those affected by life-limiting illnesses, at a time and a place that is right for them. The everyday things that can easily be taken for granted, like popping the kettle on for a cuppa, or enjoying a warm bath, really make a difference to those receiving care and support at the Hospice.
It is so important that Hospices can provide this level of care and continue to do so for the future.
So far, the Hospice has received £50,000 in pledges from grant-giving organisations and corporate supporters and are asking the public to support in generating the final £50,000 required.
To donate click here.
To learn more about the Power Up! Appeal click here
To read St Cuthbert’s Hospice service user stories click here
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