THE Standard is calling on readers to save a much-loved hospice which is now facing a funding crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford is continuing to support patients and families who are living with life-limiting illnesses and supporting people at the end of their life.
By continuing these vital services, the hospice is working hand in hand with the NHS and allowing the local hospitals to increase their capacity to focus on patients with coronavirus.
But the hospice, which is due to mark 31 years since it was officially opened on April 11, 1989, by Diana, the Princess of Wales, is now facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to the shocking impact of the coronavirus.
It says without urgent financial support, the hospice will run out of money in a matter of months.
New restrictions on people's daily lives mean the hospice cannot hold any fundraising activities and have had to close its five charity shops across Chester and Ellesmere Port.
It's anticipated there will be at least a £1.1 million shortfall for this year.
In light of this shocking news, the Standard is calling on readers to show generosity even in these uncertain and difficult times by giving what they can to our specially set up fundraising page in aid of the hospice.
Every donation made will go towards ensuring the hospice can continue to treat patients in the Chester, Ellesmere Port and North Wales areas.
One man who knows how well the hospice cares for its patients is David Harrington-Wright, local businessman, chairman of Chester FC and volunteer at the hospice.
David Harrington-Wright.
He said: “Nobody thinks they will need the support of their local hospice, I certainly didn’t. But we were so grateful for their support towards the end of my wife Fiona’s life.”
Fiona was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2018 where she was referred for treatment at the hospital.
From February 2019 until October 2019 she had 194 visits to the hospital.
Fiona was then admitted to hospital in November and although she had received great care, she was still in considerable pain and was referred to the hospice.
David said: “It was absolutely amazing from the second we walked through the door, we felt like someone had put their arms around us. Fiona was totally pain free for the first time in the 18 months she had suffered.”
He continued: “She was treated as an individual and the levels of staffing and person-centred care were exceptional. They also supported myself, family and visitors. The nurses always had time for us both and nothing was too much trouble.
"I was so relieved to know that Fiona was in the best possible place.”
Fiona died peacefully in early January, pain free and with quality of life right until the end.
David said: “I wanted to spend every last minute that I could with her and the hospice made that possible. They gave us time and space to have so many conversations that we might otherwise never have had.
He continued: “Fiona supported charities all her life and I know she would want me to tell her story to support our fantastic local hospice.
"I know that we are all facing uncertain and challenging times, but I’d ask you to please make a donation now to ensure they can continue to provide these essential services in our community.
“None of us know when we will need the hospice and we need to make sure it is here for the future.”
Even during these difficult times, staff at the hospice are focused on continuing to deliver the high-quality end of life care that so many members of this community have experienced.
The hospice will have supported a member of your family, a friend, a neighbour or colleague, so you will know just how precious this hospice is to our community.
The hospice has already raised thousands of pounds from members of the community since the launch of its #SaveyourHospice appeal, and now we are asking you to do the same through The Standard's own appeal.
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/standardsaveyourhospice and make your donation now.
People looking to donate by telephone can call the hospice direct on 01244 851811.
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd provides end-of-life care to patients living with life-limiting illness from Chester, West Cheshire and Ellesmere Port.
They provide a 10 bedded in-patient unit, a Living Well Centre which provides day support to help patients maintain their independence and to stay at home longer as well as bereavement support for both adults and children across the catchment area whether or not the death of their loved one was connected to the hospice.
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