A CHARITY has experienced a rapid increase in donations following the launch of its new website.

Renowned for its palliative and end of life care, Willow Burn Hospice, near Lanchester, which also offers day hospital, in-patient and family support facilities, has seen a 650 per cent rise in donations over the last two months.

Income generation manager Katherine Luke, believes the charity’s investment has greatly benefitted not only the hospice but the patients, families and supporters too.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted with our website and it’s completely transformed our online presence.

“We now have the facilities to allow users to access key information about Willow Burn Hospice and supporters can now sign up to attend our events and join our Regular Giving campaign online, which is fantastic.

“Having a built-in payment system has helped the hospice to become more efficient with electronic records for booking events, donating and shopping online.

“The new website can take one-off and regular donations, register new events and allows users to apply for jobs or volunteering opportunities, purchase tickets for events and much more.

“Due to improved design and functionality, the website sessions have increased by 900 per cent, which proves the website is doing its job and we’re very pleased.

The improved website was developed by North East digital marketing agency, Surge Marketing Solutions, whose team has also support the hospice through their own fundraising by running in the Great North Run. For more information or to make a donation visit www.willow-burn.co.uk.