St Richard's appeal: We only focus on patients and families

From very small beginnings at a doctor’s home in Droitwich, the hospice now employs 140 staff and has 800 volunteers supporting 1,800 patients and their families each year.

All the services are free and the hospice needs to raise £4.5 million this year to provide them.

It relies on generous donations to raise 70 per cent of this amount, with the remaining 30 per cent provided by the NHS.

John Bawden, chairman of governors, said: “Everyone within our community should feel proud of their part in ensuring St Richard’s has been able to grow and meet the increasing needs of those living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

“Throughout the years our total focus has always been with the patient and their family.

“This remains our top priority as we look to the future.

“With the opening of the new hospice and the in-patient unit in 2006 we achieved a complete package of care for our patients.

“Whether they need to receive 24-hour in-patient care, home care from our specialist nurses, visits to day hospice, or support from our family support team, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, Citizens’ Advice Bureau adviser or our complementary therapists – St Richard’s is here to help.”

Looking at the year ahead, Mr Bawden hopes people will continue to support the hospice and help them expand their services to people at home.

“Looking to the future we realise the current financial crisis will place increasing burdens on our loyal supporters,” he said.

“But we do hope that in our 25th anniversary year, they will continue to support us in any way they can.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donating money to St Richard's couldn't be easier.
Cut out the coupon in the print edition of today's Worcester News, visit our dedicated fund-raising page at justgiving.com/wn4strichards... or click the button below to go straight there.