St Richard’s Hospice has joined up with more than 143 other UK hospices to take part in the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign, a national initiative facilitated by Hospice UK.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the vital role hospices play in communities in challenging financial times for the sector. The campaign, launching today (Monday 17 February), will capture hearts and minds through a powerful TV advert based on real life hospice stories.
The goal is to encourage people to consider leaving a gift in their Will to support their local hospice, ensuring that their essential services can continue to provide compassionate and specialist care for future generations.
“With UK hospices facing unprecedented financial challenges, legacy income is increasingly important to St Richard’s. Currently one in six of those under our care is being supported by a gift in a Will,” said Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director, for St Richard’s.
Mrs Cavell continued: “With so many hospices coming together, this national TV campaign enables us to shine a light on the crucial role hospices play in our communities.
“We’re asking everyone to consider leaving a gift in their Will to a hospice close to their heart. By doing so, you can help us continue to provide vital care, ensuring that everyone has the support they need for generations to come.
“Together, we can make sure that hospice care lives on for all, for now, forever.”
Gwen Stark’s story is a testament to the compassionate care St Richard’s provides. She chose to leave a legacy gift of £10,000 to the hospice, ensuring that others across Worcestershire can receive the same help and support.
“In her eyes and mind the hospice was in the same position in terms of a gift as each of our grandchildren,” remembers husband Ken Stark.
St Richard’s cared for Gwen over many years before she died in 2022, and were there for Ken, her husband of 62 years, too.
“We had such wonderful feelings about St Richard’s that there was no hesitancy,” says Ken. “I can honestly say I was 100 per cent behind what Gwen desired.”
For more information about the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign or to find out how you can support St Richard’s Hospice, please visit www.strichards.org.uk/gift-in-will/.
St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,100 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.
St Richard’s relies on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk