Foyle Hospice issues emergency appeal as COVID pandemic thwarts fundraising efforts for vital service

Foyle Hospice is asking for community support “at a time now when it is most needed”.

Summer is traditionally a time when essential funds are raised through events organised by and for the community. With many of the Hospice Shops closed or operating at reduced hours and the majority of fundraising events called off, Foyle Hospice is facing uncertain and changing times, with funds dwindling as the crisis progresses.

Over the past few months due to the coronavirus crisis, the local hospice has had to adjust some of the services they offer, such as closing the Day Hospice and furloughing some staff. A much needed expansion of services that was planned is at risk of being shelved as donations have plummeted due to the change in fundraising circumstances.

Foyle Hospice chief executive Donall Henderson said: “Foyle Hospice costs approximately £3.3 million to run a year with around £2.2 million coming from generous charitable donations and it is very likely that the shortfall by the end of the year will be significant.

“The Covid - 19 crisis has put a strain on everyone and charities will suffer lasting effects that will take their toll on the running costs for this year and maybe even next year. The boost from the local government was a welcome support, but was only enough to help us through the first few months of the pandemic. Now that the new normal is established we feel the negative effects of our cancelled fundraising events and that is why we are asking for your help. If we are going to make it through this crisis, we will need the ongoing support of our community.”

Foyle Hospice supports many families throughout the Northwest and during the crisis it has kept its doors open and continuously cared for patients.

Mum of four Roseanne Ferguson was diagnosed with a life threatening illness she and her family were not prepared for the journey that lay ahead her husband John said: “Unfortunately, until you are in Foyle Hospice and have to use it you don’t know what happens inside the buildings. It is amazing and personal. Roseanne has taken part in Day Hospice and their Integrated Clinic and has also stayed in their In-patient unit. It was support for the entire family, something I had not experienced before. When she stays at Foyle Hospice it is home away from home. Roseanne does not like being away from home but we know that our dog can visit her in the hospice and the incredible view of the river is just so peaceful. Our experience has always been uplifting and we were surprised to learn that most people who go into the hospice are able to go home again.”

The Ferguson family are no strangers to the Hospice and have been supporting the services for many years. Roseanne’s son Father Chris Ferguson completed the London Marathon to fundraise for Foyle Hospice and has been a keen ambassador throughout the years.

It is local families who benefit from the services that Foyle Hospice provides and it is only with community support that Foyle Hospice can continue to deliver essential support and care. Please consider donating to the emergency appeal, every penny helps. Donations can be made at www.foylehospice.com/get-involved/donate or via the donate button on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foyle.hospice/ or by calling (028) 71359888.

To read Roseanne Fergusons story visit www.foylehospice.com/emergencyappeal

For more information on services and support, call 028 715351010, or to share a fundraising idea telephone 028 71359888.

Foyle Hospice provides nine bed spaces in its In-Patient Care Unit, as well as Day Hospice facilities, community nursing, 24/7 Advice Line and bereavement counselling for adults (Forget Me Not) and children (Healing Hearts).

The total annual cost of providing the services is approximately £3.2 million.

It costs approximately £5,000 for 24 hours of care for 9 beds in the Hospice In-Patient Care Unit.

Approximately 30% of overall running costs comes from HSCB with the remaining 70% of the annual costs provided through the support and generosity of the North West communities. Foyle Hospice has been providing Hospice and Palliative Care services in the North West since 1985.