By John Connell

Last updated at 09:31, Friday, 08 February 2013

Hospice at Home plans to open “first class facilities” in the heart of Workington.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria wants to buy and convert the vacant Derwent Bookshop in Finkle Street, Workington, to expand its services.

However, the project is dependent on a £600,000 grant from the Department of Health – and charity bosses will not find out if their funding application has been successful until mid-March.

Bob Barnby, fundraising manager for the Hospice, said: “We anticipate being able to offer a major development to the services later this year.

“The Department of Health has made £60 million available to fund capital improvements at hospices in England.

“We are putting a bid that would enable us to create a permanent base for our family support and lymphoedema services.

“At present we use rented space at various locations around west Cumbria to deliver these services.”

Mr Barnby added that the project would present a “real chance” to develop and extend existing services. He stressed that the hospice would remain committed to the whole of west Cumbria and that there would be no reduction to services in other areas.

Founded in 1987, 35 per cent of the charity’s costs are paid for by the NHS.

It offers palliative care to people who have life-threatening illnesses and supports their families and carers.

Meanwhile, west Cumbria’s fifth Midnight Walk in Whitehaven – in aid of the service – is due to take place on Friday, July 12.

Gillian Johnston, community fundraiser, said:“Over the last few years our fantastic women have raised £396,000.

“With their continued support we hope to top £500,000 this year.

“We are aiming for 1,400 women to put on their trainers and take part. As usual there will be the six-mile walk around Whitehaven, but for the energetic women out there we have introduced a half-marathon, which is limited to 100 places.”

Entry for walkers and runners is £7.

Anyone interested in taking part can pick up an entry form from one of the Hospice at Home West Cumbria shops or for those with a pay pal account you can visit the website www.hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk.

Forms for the walk are also available from Tesco in Whitehaven.

First published at 09:29, Friday, 08 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk