Plunging income caused by the coronavirus has left Beaumond House Community Hospice facing a financial crisis.

It is estimated funds for Newark-based charity could drop by £300,000 over the next six months because of the closure of its shops and the cancellation of fundraising events.

A Fill the Gap Campaign was launched by the hospice on Monday as it turns to the public for help.

Head of clinical care Louise Sinclair said the priority had always been the wonderful care and support for end-of-life patients and their families, and this continued to be the case.

But the hospice needs the public’s help, now more than ever, to ensure that its vital services continue.

John Marshall, chairman of Beaumond House, said: “Our community has been phenomenal in the past and their support has enabled Beaumond House Community Hospice staff to provide wonderful care for over 32 years and in doing so has supported hundreds of local, vulnerable people.

“We intend to be here for a long time to come but today, more than ever at these difficult times for everyone, we need our local community, of which we are at the heart of, to help us please.

“This is a direct appeal to the generosity and kindness of each and every person who hears of our need. Thank you all.”

Beaumond House cares for extremely vulnerable and frail patients, offering palliative and end-of-life care and appeals for your help to continue these services for the people of Newark and the surrounding area.

Fundraising and marketing manager Cathy Lowe said the hospice had closed its three shops and fundraising events were cancelled.

It costs more than £1m to run services and the hospice needs to raise £640,000 of that from the community.

“At the moment there is no extra support from the Government to meet the huge gap so we urgently need the community to help us in any way they can,” Cathy said.

“Keeping the hospice open at this time is imperative and we need the support of the community even more than usual.

“Please come together as a community and fill the gap during this difficult time.

“Please give what you can to support local people.”

Chief executive Debbie Abrams said: “I am so proud to head up this organisation. The staff here have all stepped up when asked, putting patients first and often before their own families and needs.

“It is this dedication that will keep us going through this crisis and I want to thank everyone of them for the contribution they are making to ensure we continue to offer the best care and support to people.”

Children are being asked to send letters, cards and pictures to Beaumond House to help bring a smile to patients.

Day therapy patients are having to stay at home at the moment so the hospice is looking for ways to ensure they don’t feel forgotten.

“Children can really brighten up a day and so we would love to send out their hand-made cards and pictures to our patients,” said fundraising and events officer Kat Wright.

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“Just something so simple could make all the difference.”

Contributions from children should be emailed to emma.west@beaumondhouse.co.uk

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