City charity makes appeal in bid to avoid having to cut services again

An end-of-life charity has launched an urgent appeal for donations as it battles spiralling costs and dwindling funding.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

Hospiscare, which provides specialist care to more than 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.

Last year it cut bed numbers from 12 to eight on its specialist ward and reduced the weekend community nursing service due to a lack of cash.

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.