Plea for help as hospice faces spiralling costs

A DEVON hospice that supports thousands of end-of-life patients each year has launched an urgent appeal for donations, as it battles spiralling costs and dwindling funding.

- LEWIS CLARKE

Hospiscare, which provides specialist care to over 2,200 people annually across Exeter, central and East Devon, has warned it may have to make further cuts to its services unless more support is found. The charity, which operates with only 24% of its funding from the NHS, has issued a plea to the community through its Spring Appeal.

Among those who have been supported by Hospiscare is Rachel, a mother who died at home following a long battle with cancer. Her daughter, Sarah, has shared their story in a bid to encourage donations. She said: “The emotional care and one-to-one support from the hospice nurses, at any time of the day or night, was invaluable. We had so much support from Hospiscare, both before and after mum died.”