Hospice patron Jonathan Wilkes gives backing to Thanks a Million challenge

Hospice patron Jonathan Wilkes has given his support to our Thanks a Million campaign after a member of his own family was cared for by Prospect Hospice.

He said: “Thanks to generous donations from local people, this fantastic charity has been able to be there for those at the end of their lives, supporting them and their families. Families just like mine.

“I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work this highly skilled charity offers after a member of my own family was cared for by them in their last days. The support they gave to us all was second to none and we’ll always be grateful to them for that.

“As a local charity, they rely on donations from the public to offer all of their services free to anyone that needs them. Yes, that’s right. It’s incredible to think that no one ever has to pay a penny for any of the care or support they receive from Prospect Hospice.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has hit them hard. With their shops closed and fundraising events cancelled, their income dried up almost overnight last March.

“Amazingly though, they have still managed to provide the specialist end of life care that so many people need. Often, they’ve done this by keeping the patient at home, safely away from areas where they might be at risk and, at a time when so many patients in hospitals haven’t been able to have visitors, the hospice has enabled them to stay where they’re surrounded by their loved ones.

“So I want to say thanks a million to everyone at the hospice for being there for those families over the last year and I’m asking you, if you can, to now be there for the hospice.

“This wonderful charity, which supports those with a terminal illness and makes those last days and weeks of life just that little bit better, urgently needs your support to help them through this pandemic until they can begin their traditional fundraising activities again.

“That’s why I’m asking you to support their 36 hour digital fundraiser ‘thanks a million’ on 25 and 26 April to raise as much money as possible for the hospice to see them.”

To find out more about the challenge and get involved in the event this weekend, click here.