Shortfall contained so far...

With the country slipping into recession there were real fears that the Hospice would struggle to raise the £3.6 million needed this year.  (See Willen Faces Tough Time - Feb 2009) However, thanks to a number of additional fundraising initiatives and the support of the local community it is hoped that the present predicted loss of £450,000 will be the maximum shortfall to be incurred- but only if that support continues....

Some of the fundraising initiatives include the first ever MK midnight walk, the Midnight Moo, which was held in July and has so far raised over £100,000. There have also been two team parachute jumps, involving staff, volunteers and supporters which have raised over £30,000. A number of measures have also been put in place at the Hospice, to save money without compromising patient care. This, together with the tremendous generosity and support of our local communities, has helped to bolster the finances to date.

Paul Hinson, Chief Executive, commented:

 “I am encouraged and extremely thankful for the backing shown by the local communities in response to our tough financial situation. Our shops, lottery and events are crucial in raising income for us and all areas have seen an increase in support in the last six months, alongside general donations from the public. I know that if this support continues we can survive this period of uncertainty and remain a part of the community of Milton Keynes.”

• Willen Hospice ended the last financial year with a deficit of £400,000 and had to fund this shortfall from its financial reserves which also suffered a down-turn in value due to low interest rates and a reduced rate of return on investment. 
  
• The Hospice relies on generous individuals and organisations to donate enough to cover 75% of its annual budget, with the other 25% coming from the NHS. Its running costs this year are £3.6 million.
• The Hospice still needs your support, because the care it offers to individuals and their families is ongoing and still desperately needed.
• Last year over 400 terminally ill people were cared for by the Hospice, with support offered to their families, all free of charge. It provides this expert care 365 days a year.
• There is increasing pressure on the Hospice’s community team as more patients are choosing to be cared for in their own homes, but in the current financial situation the team cannot be expanded to cope with this extra workload. 
  

Please continue to support the Hospice in whatever way you can.  There are lots of ways of making a donation and many other ways that you can offer support.  If you would like to talk to someone about how you can help Willen Hospice please call 01908 663636