Arthur Rank Hospice Charity launches coronavirus SOS appeal
An urgent SOS appeal – Support our Services – has been launched by Arthur Rank Hospice.
The call comes in response to the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on the charity’s ability to fundraise for its vital services.
Initial financial forecasts have estimated it will lose at least £700,000 of potential income over the next six months.
The forecast comes as a result of the cancellation of fundraising events, closure of its shops and bistro, and the scrapping of events at its education and conference centre.
The hospice continues to run its inpatient unit while operating under strict restrictions due to the outbreak. The clinical team is also working closely with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Commissioning Group (CCG), Addenbrooke’s Hospital and social care networks to support the healthcare needs of the wider population.
Local businesses have been helping the hospice by donating essential items such as PPE and iPads for patients, enabling them to communicate with loved ones, but funds are needed to support the work over the coming weeks.
Sharon Allen, CEO of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said: “Never would we have anticipated something like Covid-19 and how this would affect us all in the way that it has. The adverse circumstances in which we find ourselves seem to change hour by hour, whilst the admiration I have for each of my colleagues grows every day, as they constantly adjust, evolve and innovate.
“Whether it is the fundraiser who is being redeployed to work as a healthcare assistant, a ward sister recording a video to appeal for protective gloves and masks, or the facilities team putting new infection control measures in place… they have all been incredible.
“We need to ensure that we can carry on delivering essential care and services now, whilst also ensuring that services remain sustainable into the future. We truly hope that the people of Cambridgeshire will answer our SOS!
“Please continue your financial support so that we can continue to provide essential services to our patients. Together we will get through this, because we are #TeamArthur!”
Last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £750m funding for charities so they can continue delivering vital help.
Mr Sunak said £360m will be directly distributed to charities providing essential services to vulnerable people in the battle over coronavirus.
This will include up to £200m for hospices, St John’s Ambulance, the Citizens Advice Bureau, and charities supporting vulnerable children and helping domestic abuse victims.
Visit arhc.org.uk/sos.asp to donate.
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