‘I didn’t understand until we needed them’: Hospices launch campaign to secure future of palliative care
Six South London hospices are urging people to leave gifts in their will as part of a national campaign.
Community Hospice, Demelza, Ellenor Hospice, Royal Trinity Hospice, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and St Christopher’s are taking part in the “This is Hospice Care” campaign, launched today by Hospice UK.
In the face of spiralling costs and rising demand, hospices involved in the campaign are calling on Londoners to leave a gift in their will to help secure the future of palliative care.
As a lifelong Orpington resident, Nick Diamond, 63, has always been aware of St Christopher’s hospice in Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham.
But, it wasn’t until his wife Linda was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer in 2018, and he then became a trustee of the hospice two years later, that he understood the true extent of St Christopher’s care and the reality of its funding.
Mr Diamond said: “I didn’t really understand what they did until we needed them.
“I am absolutely convinced that without the incredible care and support we received, Linda would have died in hospital making it a far more traumatic experience for my sons, Sam and Jake, and me.
“I was so impressed with how quickly they mobilised. We needed equipment, and it was there. She was in pain, they administered the appropriate drugs, and they were always available to answer my ‘what should I do questions’.”
It was not just the dedicated support and medical care, but also the pampering that surprised Mr Diamond.
He said: “When the nurse came, Linda would brighten up and I could hear chatter and laughter coming from the room.
“They painted her nails and massaged her feet. It was so important for her to have a real break and that was such an unexpected part of the care they gave.
“St Christopher’s helped Linda live life as best she could right up to the end.”
Informed by his new-found knowledge, Mr Diamond decided to leave a gift for St Christopher’s in his Will.
Of the more than 4,000 people St Christopher’s cared for last year, gifts in wills paid for the care of 1,500 of them.
Mr Diamond said: “Even 1 per cent can be left to St Christopher’s in your Will so those closest to you inherit 99 per cent.
“Every gift makes a difference and means St Christopher’s can continue to provide the wonderful support I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.”
The “This is Hospice Care” campaign involved 143 hospices across England, Scotland and Wales, including 12 London hospices.
New data released from Hospice UK today, suggests legacy donations to hospices in London funded the equivalent of care for 3,657 people in 2024.
That same year, hospices across the UK were forced to cut services and jobs following spiralling costs and a rise in demand, which is expected to increase by 25 per cent by 2040.
Government intervention before Christmas saw a welcome £100million funding boost for hospices. The investment will go towards helping hospices improve their buildings, equipment and accommodation. This includes refurbishing bedrooms and bathrooms and providing overnight accommodation for families.
But, Hospice UK continues to call for a long-term funding solution from the Government.
Catherine Bosworth, director of income generation and grants at Hospice UK, said: “Hospices rely on charitable donations to keep their doors open, which is why we’re asking everyone to consider leaving a gift in their will to a hospice close to their heart.
“By doing so, you can help us continue to provide this vital care, ensuring that everyone has the support they need for generations to come.”
Find out more about the campaign and watch the film atwww.thisishospicecare.org.uk
Pictured top: Representatives from 10 London Hospices met in central London last week to highlight the importance of palliative care funding (Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments)
