Restaurant boss warns hospice could face closure
AGLASGOW businessman has said a hospice his family helped build could face closure due to a major gap in funds caused by the pandemic lockdown.
James Mortimer, of Rogano fame, said the Kilbryde Hospice is losing around £90,000 a week that could “eradicate all funding reserves” and put the facility at risk, despite measures to help mitigate losses by putting non clinical staff on furlough.
Mr Mortimer said the hospice, which is based at Hairmyres Hospital, has been providing support to NHS Lanarkshire to deal with Covid-19 as well as continuing to provide services for patients with terminal illness.
Mr Mortimer’s late daughter Donna was heavily involved in the hospice, acting as director before her death in 2011 from skin cancer and a charity was set up in her name.
The Donna Mortimer Ballantyne Trust raised more than £1million to support the opening of the hospice, which was founded by Tony McGuinness.
It now contributes around £400,000 annually through major black-tie events, supported by celebrities, including Lulu and Rangers legend Ally McCoist, which have all been cancelled.
Mr Mortimer said the hospice had also been helped by customers from the Glasgow businesses he has owned including 29 Private Members Club, One Up, The Grill Room, which are now closed and has issued a plea for public donations.
He said: “The stark reality is, if we don’t do something through Donna’s Charity to increase financial support in the coming months, Kilbryde could face having to stop providing end-of-life care.
“With the pressures facing the NHS, the services Kilbryde offers to those most vulnerable in our community are needed now more than ever. It has always been the charity’s main priority to do all we can to maintain services at Kilbryde Hospice.
“Sadly, even though the hospice continues to deliver services and even supported the NHS in Lanarkshire to assist with the Covid19 pandemic, they are set to lose a great deal of income due to the current situation that is affecting fundraising, events and challenges.
“Through Donna’s charity, Kilbryde Hospice has become a lifeline to so many families, but right now they are facing the unthinkable.
“Despite receiving financial support from the Health and Social Care Partnership, their income is totally reliant on donations from the community. The severity of their financial losses due to the cancellation of events and fundraising, and the closure of their charity shops, is undeniable.”
To make a donation, text HOSPICE to 70144 to make a oneoff donation of £5 or visit www. kibrydehospice.org.uk