St Clare Hospice is highlighting the vital contribution made by the UK’s hospices as it prepares to mark national Hospice Care Week (8-14 October).

The annual awareness campaign, organised by the national charity Hospice UK, aims to raise awareness of the more than 200 hospices in the UK who provide specialist palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

St Clare Hospice chief executive, Sarah Thompson, said: “St Clare has been providing high quality, person-centred and compassionate care, free of charge, to the community of West Essex and the borders of East Herts across three decades. Last year we cared for 1,270 patients, as well as their families and loved ones, both at our centre in Hastingwood and in patients’ own homes. It costs over £4.6million to run our services each year, and with limited NHS funding, we need to fundraise the majority of this.”

Sarah Thompson highlighted the projected future demand for hospice care: “St Clare is preparing for a sharp increase in people needing our care over the next decade. With evidence of a growing number of young people living with life-limiting conditions, as well an ageing population, we will be needed more than ever.”

“The St Clare team is ready to respond to this need, but we also require the ongoing and dedicated support of our local businesses and communities to ensure we can be there for every person who needs us, at one of life’s hardest moments. This Hospice Care Week, please take the time to find out more about St Clare and how you can help us. Please support your local hospice – by donating, fundraising or volunteering – so that we can be there for you, and your family, if you ever need us.”

To mark the week, the Hospice will be holding a range of events to raise awareness of their care, including an Open Hospice event on Wednesday 10th October, 9.30am – 12pm, at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, CM17 9JX.

There are a limited number of spaces for community groups, so if you would like to attend please book your place with Sally Muylders on 01279 773709 or email [email protected]

For more information about Hospice Care Week visit: hospiceuk.org or stclarehospice.org.uk

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