CHARITIES across Britain are under pressure.

Not only are they having to fill gaps left by public spending cuts and the care crisis, but the credit squeeze has hit donations.

As vital public services are axed the third sector is becoming an increasingly important guardian of the support given to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It is clear that the Government is happy let the voluntary sector pick up the slack to offset its savage cuts agenda but can charities cope with the increasing demand?

Few charities have done more than Butterwick Hospice Care in recent years to improve the lives of people across the region.

The organisation that began almost 40 years ago when Mary Butterwick sold her home to set up a care centre in memory of her late husband John has gone on to help thousands of adults, young people, children and their families to cope with the traumas of life-limiting illness.

The continued success of Butterwick is so important to the wellbeing of the North-East and the charity needs our support more than ever.

It is of great concern to see it going through a period of financial difficulty but like all businesses Butterwick’s ability to balance incomings with outgoings is key to its stability.

The shock departure of long-serving chief executive Graham Leggatt-Chidgey will be of concern to staff, supporters and the army of fundraisers who keep Butterwick going. Mr Leggatt-Chidgey cited “health reasons” for stepping down but it is strange that the charity has so far failed to issue a message of tribute or thanks to the man who led it for two decades.

We hope that Butterwick's money woes, which will almost certainly lead to some staff taking voluntary redundancy or reducing their hours, are a temporary blip.

Too much good has been done in the name of Mary and John Butterwick to risk its long term success.