HOSPICE at Home West Cumbria has launched an emergency appeal to help bridge the gap in their income following the impact of the coronavirus.

The local charity which provides end of life care to patients and families across West Cumbria is launching the appeal following the closure of their charity shops and cancellation of many planned fundraising events.

Julie Monk, chief executive for HHWC, said “The care our nurses and clinical team provide is only possible due to the fundraising efforts of staff, volunteers and supporters across our local communities.

"Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus our main fundraising event KAPOW! is cancelled, community events have been, and are being cancelled, and all our charity shops have had to close.

"This will leave a huge gap in the income we need to provide our care and we urge our communities in West Cumbria to support us during this difficult time."

The Emergency Appeal includes a direct mailing to existing supporters of the charity, and a social media campaign across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Supporters have a variety of ways to donate, including a text to the donate service and a dedicated JustGiving page.

The charity has included some fun, family friendly ideas on their website to encourage supporters to organise their own at home fundraising activities.

More information on how to get involved can be found on their website at www.hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria provides palliative and end of life care to patients and their families across West Cumbria.

The charity needs to raise over £1 million each year to deliver these vital services which are provided free of charge to those who need them.

The nurses deliver palliative and end of life care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing the best possible care for people with a life-limiting illness and those who are close to them.

Their Family and Bereavement Support (FABS) team support patients and their families during some of the most difficult of times.