New data from Hospice UK reveals that gifts in Wills are the lifeline keeping the nation’s hospices open, funding the equivalent of 400,000 nights of hospice care every year.
This comes as 127 hospices across the country, including Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), unite for a second year behind the This is Hospice Care campaign – urging members of the public to leave a gift in their Will to their chosen hospice.
The importance of hospice care is undeniable, with CHSW supporting more than 500 babies, children, young people and their families across their 3 children’s hospices; Little Harbour in St Austell, Little Bridge House in Barnstaple and Charlton Farm in Wraxall, North Somerset.
With around £4 million needing to be raised each year to fund the ongoing running costs for each of CHSW’s hospices, and only a small percentage guaranteed by government, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of those in the local community to raise the £12 million a year needed and gifts left in Wills are vital for this.
Paul Courtney, Director of Fundraising for CHSW, said; “We’re thrilled to once again be joining so many other hospices across the country to be part of this important campaign. 1 in 4 of the children we support at CHSW are able to be cared for due to the generosity of local people choosing to leave a gift in their Will to CHSW. Once you have remembered the people you love in your Will we would be grateful if you could consider leaving a gift to CHSW, your legacy could make such a difference.”
Through powerful real-life stories, the This is Hospice Care campaign shows how hospices help support whole communities through their hardest days, and how people in their community can make giving back part of their legacy. From helping people get their pain under control, to planning birthday parties or delivering grief counselling; hospices create moments and bring comfort when it matters most. These stories highlight how critical gifts in Wills are in keeping this vital support available for everyone, now and for generations to come.
Catherine Bosworth, Director of Income Generation and Grants at Hospice UK, said: “Gifts in Wills are the lifeline keeping our hospices open. Every single hour, someone receives care that wouldn’t exist without the generosity of people who choose to support hospice care in their Will. That’s the reality we’re working with and it’s becoming increasingly fragile, as funding pressures threaten hospice services, right when demand is rising.
It’s vital that we do what we can to secure hospice care now. A gift in your will to a hospice doesn’t require parting with your money today, anyone can leave a legacy.”
For more information about the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign or to find out how you can support CHSW please visit www.chsw.org.uk/giftinmywill or contact Kerri Beaumont, Legacy Fundraiser by calling Little Harbour on 01726 871 800.
