North Cumbria's hospice for adults and children has confirmed it has been forced to consider a "small number" of redundancies in light of the financial pressures brought about by Covid-19.

Eden Valley Hospice and children's hospice Jigsaw, based on Durdar Road in Carlisle, is considering the move in order to protect and secure the future of its frontline services in the face of a drop in donations, fundraising activities and charity shop revenue.

Eden Valley Hospice is a charity, and like all charities it has been severely impacted by the financial strain the Covid-19 pandemic has brought.

Trish Livsey, chief executive of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, said that Covid-19 has had a "devastating effect" on its income.

"It is clear that it will take some time for our income generation activities to return to normal due to a number of factors outside of our control," she said.

"As an organisation that relies on voluntary donations for around 80 per cent of our income, this means that we now need to look at further cost savings.

"Whilst we have no plans to close our doors, it is clear that we have to act now to protect the future of the hospice.”

Professor Livsey said that she has seen colleagues demonstrate "exceptional commitment, hard work and loyalty to the hospice" in the face of the challenges presented by Covid-19.

"Like many other organisations, we need to adapt to secure the future of our services – ensuring that local people with cancer and non-cancer life limiting illnesses can continue to access high quality palliative care, now and into the future.

"This is at the heart of all of our decision making.”

Eden Valley Hospice's charity shops generate about £60,000 per month for the charity.

The three months of lockdown means the hospice is facing a shortfall of £180,000 for that period of closure alone, in addition to the fact Covid-19 restrictions are continuing to curtail income generation.

"Even though our shops are re-opening, due to Covid-related restrictions this now means we are having to operate on a scaled back basis and we’re struggling to bring in even half of our usual monthly income," Professor Livsey explained.

"Our events and other external fundraising activities continue to be paused during this prolonged period of uncertainty.

Last year, the hospice cared for 376 patients and their families, providing both clinical and emotional care.

"Next year marks 30 years of the hospice providing vital care to the community but our 30th anniversary is shaping up to be our toughest year yet financially," Professor Livsey added.

"With the proposed cost savings, along with the continued support of the local community and our healthcare partners, I am confident that the hospice will continue to be here for generations to come."