Hospice faces biggest test

The number of patient contacts has risen by nearly a quarter in the last year and referrals to the charity’s Hospice at Home service has rocketed by nearly 75 per cent.

As a charity that provides services free to patients and families, Ashgate relies on the generous support from donations and fundraising.

Esther Preston, new Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the hospice, said: “The simple fact is every year more families across north Derbyshire are affected by the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. We believe every one of these patients should have access to the highest quality of palliative and end of life care. But as the demand for our services increases so does the amount of money we need to raise. It’s a huge challenge but I know that the businesses and people of North Derbyshire will help us.”

It costs £6.5million each year to run Ashgate Hospice of which £4m has to come from voluntary donations and fundraising.

Face-to-face patient contacts has shot up from 6,562 in 2012/13 to 8,118. There has also been an increase in the people referred for hospice care. To find out more about Ashgate Hospice follow the charity on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.ashgatehospice.org or call 01246 568801.