ST Margaret’s Hospice Care has launched an urgent appeal to plug an estimated £1 million hole in the charity’s fundraising income due to the coronavirus crisis.

All the charity’s shops across Somerset are temporarily closed and a host of fundraising events, some in celebration of St Margaret’s ruby anniversary, have been postponed, including the Great Somerset Cycle and the Taunton Colour Run.

It comes as St Margaret’s nurses and frontline staff are continuing to give support to dying people and their families in their homes, at the in-patient unit in Taunton and via the hospice’s 24-hour advice line. 

At the same time, hospice doctors, nurses and therapists are helping to shoulder the huge burden on the NHS.

Joanna Hall, director of fundraising at St Margaret’s, said: “We are already sharing our expertise around symptom management and practical end-of-life support, and this will only intensify in the coming weeks and months, as we aim to support as many patients as possible away from hospital.

“Already our 24-hour advice line has become busier with calls, and our nurses, both in the hospice and working across the community, are adapting how they provide care safely and continue to offer advice, compassion and reassurance as the crisis escalates.

“Our skills and care are being called on now more than ever. But at a time when an increasing number of people and their families will desperately need us, our ability to fundraise is seriously compromised.”

There are a variety of ways to support St Margaret’s:

Donate online or set up a regular gift at www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/personal-donations

Sign up for the Weekly Prize Draw: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/weekly-prize-draw

Raise funds by taking part in a virtual challenge: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/virtual-challenge-20

Request a ruby sunflower pack and sow hope across Somerset: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/ruby-sunflowers

Joanna added: “We have a fantastic community of supporters and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support at this time. We need it now more than ever.

“Just £25 could pay for an hour of practical help and advice by one of our nurses via our 24-hour advice line to a patient or family member who is self-isolating at home, afraid or alone. It’s a vital lifeline for many at this time.”

For more information, visit St Margaret’s Hospice website’s emergency fund link.