Hospice exceeds £100k target in next to no time thanks to public

IN an outpouring of generosity, the people of Somerset helped St Margaret’s Hospice surpass its fundraising target of £100,000 in just 13 hours - raising a total of £160,917 in under two days.

- LEWIS CLARKE

The ‘Every Moment Counts’ campaign closed at 9pm on Friday, June 20, concluding a 36-hour online appeal which coincided with the hospice’s 45th anniversary and the launch of a new five-year strategy.

A total of 1,297 donations were received, with many made in memory of loved ones. Contributions were boosted by a group of 80 volunteer ‘Champions’ who shared personal stories and rallied support. Their efforts were further amplified by match-funding pledges of £70,000 from Somerset individuals and charitable trusts.

St Margaret's, which supports patients across the county with life-limiting illnesses, hopes the funds will allow them to offer vital care earlier in patients’ journeys. The hospice says its new strategy - Time to Care, Now & Always - aims to promote early access to hospice services, empower families, and educate health professionals about the role of hospice care.

One of the many stories shared during the campaign was that of Rena and Ian.