St Elizabeth Hospice has received a welcome boost following a donation from one of the country’s largest bus operators.
First Eastern Counties has donated £2000 to St Elizabeth Hospice, which cares for people living with a progressive illness in East Suffolk and South Norfolk.
The money will cover the cost of around 40 Hospice at Home visits for patients in East Suffolk nearing the end of life. In the last year, the team which offers round the clock care, helped 645 patients and made 1,550 visits.
Jo Whiting, Trust Fundraising Manager, said: “Our free local Hospice care is always available for those who need it whether at home, in the community, over the phone or at the Hospice”.
“Every day we try and make a difference; helping people overcome their pain, providing a listening ear or a hand to hold. We have cared for almost 20,000 local people in the last 25 years and that has only been possible due to the amazing support of the East Suffolk community. We are delighted to be supported by First Eastern Counties.”
Chris Speed, business manager at First Eastern Counties, said: “This money will help to improve the end of life care for patients across East Suffolk.
“First is dedicated to supporting local charities and we are happy to help Hospice at Home, which provides a core service to people in the region.”
The hospice, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is an independent charity which provides services free of charge to patients and their families in East Suffolk and South Norfolk. It costs £9.1 million to run the hospice every year and almost three quarters of the funding comes from the local community.