Hartlepool hospice boss appeals for community's support to ensure survival after £1.5m Covid loss

Tracy Woodhall, Chief Executive of Alice House Hospice, recorded a special video to ask people to dig deep and give whatever they can so that they can continue to be there to hold patients’ hands at the end of their life.

The hospice’s fundraising has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic this year with the cancellation of all large events and its charity shops forced to close during the two national lockdowns.

It should have been celebrating 40 years of caring for the community but is instead facing a £1.5 million loss.

Tracy said: “Unfortunately, last year we saw the closure of a hospice due to financial reasons and it’s estimated 30% of hospices could close as a result of Covid-19.

"I only ask for your help now because we really need it. There's very little we can do in terms of fundraising.

"Any little help that you could give us would be gratefully appreciated.”

She added: “I know it’s very difficult for everybody. People are worried about losing their jobs, people are worried about their families.

"But I want to make sure you don’t have to worry if you are at the end of your life that we’re here to look after you.”

Tracy said the impact of the virus has been ‘massive’ and seen Alice House have to suspend its community services.

But she said the wonderful staff have continued to go to work at its 18-bed in patient unit with a smile under their PPE masks and have been there for patients when their families could not.

Tracy said: “I think that’s what scares me the most about the potential of losing a hospice is that where would people go and who would hold their hand?”

She added: “It’s only through the generosity of the people of Hartlepool and East Durham that we have managed to keep the hospice open.”Tracy said they are also very grateful to the government for emergency support, but said they don’t know if they will get any more.

Alice House has created an online page where people can give at www.justgiving.com/campaign/ahh-covidappeal

See Tracy’s video on YouTube.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.