Hartlepool's Alice House Hospice appeals for support as coronavirus hits vital fundraising

The hospice needs to raise £2.8 million by itself every year to provide specialist palliative care, counselling and support to hundreds of adults in Hartlepool and East Durham.

But the coronavirus restrictions has resulted in several big upcoming events being postponed and all of its charity shops closed.

Bans on large gatherings of people also mean supporters are not able to hold their own events.

However, the hospice has been boosted after a great response to an appeal for smart TVs to help patients stay connected to their loved ones.

Access to the main hospice building in Wells Avenue is currently restricted.

The TVs will use webcam technology to help patients interact with loved ones.

Greg Hildreth, deputy fundraising manager, said: "This enables people who are seriously ill to at least be able to meet virtually with their relatives and loved ones. It will have a lasting legacy for patients and their families.

"The response has been fantastic. So many generous people and businesses have come forward to help us."

In an open letter, hospice chief executive Tracy Woodall added: “Please help me to help our patients and their loved ones stay connected until the very end through the virtue of a smart TV.

“This is one of the only ways that we can enable them to be together and protect those around us.”

In line with Government advice, all hospice events until the end of June are postponed including Purple Week, its Memory Stroll, Family Fun Day and Colour Run.

Regarding the need for financial support Greg added: "We are getting very little income at the moment.

“It is a really challenging situation so we do need all the support we can get from the community of Hartlepool who time and time again have shown themselves to be unbelievably generous and big-hearted."

Anyone who wishes to support the hospice is urged to email Greg at [email protected]