Charity launches urgent funding appeal

A charity has launched a funding appeal to help to care for patients at the end of life due to the coronavirus.

Terminal illness charity Marie Curie needs to raise £2.5million a week to continue to run its essential frontline services, but found its ability to generate the money has been compromised due to the pandemic.

Chief Executive Matthew Reed has warned that the charity desperately needs more donations from people if it is to continue caring for dying people and help the NHS cope with the coronavirus crisis.

He said: “At this time of national emergency, Marie Curie nurses and frontline staff are needed more than ever as the NHS is put under ever greater strain.

“We’re ready and geared up to help, with hospice beds and nurses on standby.

“Sadly, some people’s lives will be shortened by coronavirus, so the need for end of life care will be greater.

“Marie Curie can meet this need, and in doing so will help free up intensive care beds needed for coronavirus patients.

“But just as we want to help, our income has been decimated. We need donations urgently to keep our nurses and hospice staff on the frontline.”

Mr Reed added: “That is why we have launched an emergency appeal to make up the shortfall and ensure the charity can care for more dying patients, support the NHS and ultimately save lives in the weeks and months ahead.”

Donations can be made via mariecurie.org.uk/emergency or by texting NURSE to 70633.

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