Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland was delighted to receive a significant grant from the National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities programme.

The grant was sourced to partly cover the provision of two health care assistants and two nurses who work within the charity’s clinical team over a three-month period during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This enabled Hospice at Home to continue providing vital care and support during a difficult and potentially isolating time for vulnerable patients and their families and carers.

Julie Blundell, head of income generation and marketing, who leads on securing grant funding for the charity, said “This is a difficult time for Cumbria.

"This vital clinical service which the Hospice at Home clinical team provide is especially essential as our patients are among the most vulnerable within our community.

"This support will provide numerous hours of care and comfort to many patients, families and carers.

"Numerous fundraising events have been cancelled across the region and, although our fundraising team have established virtual events to raise funds, the impact on our fundraising event income stream is going to be massively affected.

"Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland is extremely grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their support which will be greatly appreciated in the difficult days that lie ahead.”

The Hospice at Home service covers 1,500 square miles from the Scottish Border to Stainmore and Allonby to Alston.

The charity is vital and needs to raise over £20,000 each week to continue to provide this service, which is much needed and greatly appreciated by families across the area.

Anyone interested in raising funds or volunteering can contact the Hospice at Home fundraising office 01768 210719 or visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk