Following the news that Rowcroft is facing a funding shortfall, the local hospice has launched an urgent fundraising appeal which aims to raise an extra £585,000 over the next twelve months. The appeal comes after the announcement that the hospice needs to reduce costs and raise additional income.
The £585,000 target, to be raised from donations, Rowcroft’s lottery and shops is part of a three year business plan, designed to get the hospice back to financial stability.
Jon Hill, Acting Chief Executive, explained: “Hospices across the UK operate against a backdrop of highly unpredictable funding, as well as facing an ever-increasing demand for their services. We have developed a three year plan that ensures we continue to care for circa 2000 local people and their families each year. This plan is based on restoring the hospice to a strong financial position and safeguarding its future but we need to raise an additional £585,000 this year to make this possible.”
The hospice recently announced that a decline in its legacy income, an increase in demand for services and the financial pressures on the NHS has led to the current funding position.
In the few days following the announcement, the hospice received many donations and offers of help from the South Devon community.
Jon Hill added: “It has been a heart breaking few weeks for the staff and volunteers at Rowcroft but the words of support and encouragement, the offers of help and the generous donations are so very welcome. We have received over £50,000 in donations already. We are so grateful to our local community and ask them to please continue to support us.”
Local companies have also rallied to support Rowcroft during their time of need. Hyundai Torbay was one of the first to pledge its support and has donated a service desk to the hospice which it is hoped will fetch up to £1000 at auction.
Mark Edgecombe, Managing Director at Hyundai Torbay said: “As soon as we heard that Rowcroft was in financial difficulty we knew we had to do something to help. The hospice provides such a vital service to the local community and the care it delivers not being available to patients and families when they need it most is unthinkable.”
However, the hospice needs further support, and is particularly looking for people and companies to give support over the next three years, helping to get the hospice back to a stronger financial position.
Someone who has seen first-hand how the hospice provides invaluable support for local people is Di Feasby. Her husband, Steve has been receiving care from Rowcroft over the last year and Di is urging everyone to help the hospice: “Rowcroft has helped us so much, it has taught us how to keep living, loving and making every day special. I am urging the people of South Devon to do whatever they can afford to help. The money is so desperately needed so that the care, love and support can continue not only for Steve but for many other terminally ill patients.”
Rowcroft is urging supporters to support the hospice in whatever way they can; from making a regular or one-off donation, to playing the hospice’s lottery, or donating to one of the hospice’s shops.
Rachael Bryett, Head of Fundraising at Rowcroft, explained: “Our local community’s support has never been more vital. Giving just £5 a month will help provide a regular source of income for the hospice. However, anything you might be able to offer no matter how big or small would be hugely valuable and will help us to continue to provide our essential care to our patients and their families right now.”
Every year, it costs the hospice well in excess of £8m to provide its services and of this almost three-quarters is funded through donations and legacies. The NHS provides funding for the remaining 27% of the costs incurred by the hospice.
More information about Rowcroft’s urgent appeal can be found at www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/appeal Get weekly news by email
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