MP calls for more funding for hospices

Children's hospices receive on average just over five per cent funding from the state and there is no guidance given by central government about the amount of money they should receive. This means that children's hospices have to rely almost entirely on fundraising and charitable donations from companies, charitable trusts and individuals.

The current crisis has arisen because money provided by the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund is due to run out in three months time.

Tim commented: "Worthing's own children's hospice the Chestnut Tree house is one of 15 that receive zero funds from the public purse. It continually amazes me that they find enough money to provide the excellent service that they do. Indeed, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the carers of the children who use children's hospices. They do a great amount of work for which they get little gratitude and without them the burden on the state would be immense.

"I have been campaigning on this issue for a number of years and the government has, for some time, been aware that Lottery funding would end next year. It is essential that that the government takes immediate steps to work with the children's hospices and find a viable solution to this problem."

Full story in West Sussex Gazette, December 29