ONE of the region’s largest hospices has launched a new initiative to help fund care at the hospice, coinciding with its celebrations of providing specialist round-the-clock support to the community for 20 years.

The initiative encourages individuals and businesses to donate or fundraise to ‘Pay for a Day’ of care and support for people living with a terminal illness by covering the running costs of the Marie Curie Hospice at Newcastle for an entire day of their choice.

The hospice, which has provided care to thousands of patients, provides both day services and in-patient unit care, offering specialist nursing and medical care, emotional support, holistic therapies and support for families and loved ones.

Speaking at the launch, which was attended by the Duchess of Northumberland, hospice manager, Helen Forrow, said:

“We hope that individuals, groups and businesses will be inspired to pay for a day of care in our hospice and pick a special day, whether that’s an anniversary or important date in the calendar. Whatever day is chosen, they’ll be making a real difference to people with terminal illnesses and their families.

“The hospice has been providing care to the people of Newcastle for 20 years, offering specialist support for thousands of people as well as emotional support for their families. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this, than the launch of such a fantastic initiative.”

Local businessman, Ian Watson from Hadrian Healthcare, who is the first pledge to the initiative, said: “The hospice has been a beacon in the community for 20 years now and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than to support this fantastic initiative.”

Backers are asked to raise £6,584 - the cost of providing care at the hospice during a single day.