Trinity Hospice’s emergency appeal has topped £135,000. Donations have come in from across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre – and beyond – as the hospice plays a front line role in the Covid-19 crisis.

Response to the appeal has made a big difference – but the cancellation of Trinity’s mass participation events, the closure of local schools and businesses and a three month gap in its high street trading means Trinity Hospice and Brian House Children’s Hospice are still facing a funding gap of over £1million this year.

Head of Fundraising Linzi Warburton said: “The response to our appeal has been fantastic – we are genuinely thrilled with the total so far, and so grateful, but even with the appeal and with the money pledged to hospices by the Chancellor we are facing a major shortfall, and the uncertainty of the coming months is an added concern.

“Right now we don’t know when our regular events will re-start or when our supporter companies and community organisations will get back to business. Our high street shops have re-opened and we have had a very successful stock appeal, but the restrictions we have in place at our shops make trading a challenge.

“We are doing everything we can to help our NHS colleagues cope during the Covid-19 pandemic and at the same time keep our specialist hospice services running, but it is a huge ask.”

Trinity launched its summer superdraw raffle two weeks ago, and entries for that are flooding in. The hope is that it will raise £30,000 and the hospice had a huge boost when solicitors Blackhurst Budd agreed to provide the £5,000 first prize.

Linzi said: “That was such a kind gesture and we have had help from so many parts of our community in these unprecedented times. Back in January we thought 2020 would be a year of celebration as Trinity marks its 35th birthday, but things have turned out to be very different.

“What’s important now is that we look forward, and every donation will make a difference to the adults and children we care for in the coming weeks and months – no matter what surprises the rest of the year brings.”

If you would like to support our Appeal, click here