Published at 12:21, Friday, 21 December 2012

A £500,000 plan to expand Hospice at Home West Cumbria’s services has been revealed.

The charity is bidding for the cash from the Government to buy and convert the vacant Derwent Bookshop in Finkle Street, Workington.

It will find out in March if the bid has been successful.

Bob Barnby, fund-raising manager, said: “This is an exciting opportunity as it’s the first time we’ve been able to bid for this central funding.”

Linda Hewitt, chief executive, said: “I’m delighted with the hard work that Bob and the clinical team have put in to get this bid together.

“To have purpose-designed facilities will be a major step forward for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and will greatly enhance the services that we provide.

“While this proposed development is in Workington, it is important to stress that hospice remains committed to the whole of West Cumbria and there will be no reduction to services offered in other areas.”

Founded in 1987, 35 per cent of its costs are paid for by the NHS and it needs to raise around £500,000 a year to continue its services.

It offers palliative care to people who have life-threatening illnesses and supports their families and carers.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk