A HOSPICE bereavement service is being supported with funding from a community-minded energy supplier.

Willow Burn Hospice, near Lanchester, has received an advance donation of £200 from Future Energy to help comfort people who have lost loved ones.

Established in 1989, Willow Burn delivers a range of services to those affected with life-limiting and terminal illnesses, and their families through its day hospice, in-patient unit and family support service.

The advanced payment has been through the power company’s community programme, established to support a range of charities, community projects and clubs throughout the North-East.

Laura Forbes, income generation manager at Willow Burn, said: “We are largely a self-supporting charity that relies heavily on donations from businesses and the public, so we are grateful to Future Energy for its generosity and support through the community programme.

“Willow Burn is committed to delivering a range of high quality respite and palliative care services throughout County Durham, and this funding will allow our team to further develop and provide our family support service that is dearly cherished by those who need it.”

The energy supplier was founded with the aim of supporting communities across the North of England and is scouring the region for worthwhile causes to support through its charity work.

Michael Carr, community programme manager, said: “Every now and then you come across an organisation that truly epitomises what it means to care about local people.”