£600,000 funding announced for Foyle Hospice

Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced £6.75 million for local hospices to support them with the current financial challenges they are facing.

Making the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “The care and support our hospices provide is truly inspiring. Our Hospices are there for people and their families when they need it most. This £6.75 million support package will help them with the current challenges they are facing from loss of donations and revenue from their retail outlets. This funding will make a real difference to these organisations and the families they support.”

This support package includes: £3.2 million for the NI Hospice including the Children’s Hospice; £1.6 million for Marie Curie; £1.1 million for Southern Area Hospice; £600,000 for Foyle Hospice; and £250,000 for Cancer Fund for Children.

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the announcement.

The Foyle MLA said: “I welcome the announcement today by Finance Minister Conor Murphy that £600,000 has been allocated to support the Foyle Hospice during this pandemic. Foyle Hospice and its staff are an invaluable asset to our society.

“They provide high quality and compassionate care to those who are in need, and in particular those who are seriously ill. Hospices often rely on fundraising carried out by remarkable volunteers and community organisations who work tirelessly throughout the year.

“Due to the ongoing public health emergency and the cancellation of events, the capacity to fundraise has been severely limited and has caused significant financial stress and concern.

“I believe this financial injection will go some way in alleviating many of their financial concerns and I thank Minister Conor Murphy for that.

“From the bottom of my heart – I want to thank the staff at hospices and all those involved in fundraising efforts. You are all truly fantastic people, keep up the fantastic work.”