HOSPICES from across Teesside have united in a call for continued fundraising support after each received a cash boost from local businesses.

Representatives of Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Teesside Hospice, Butterwick Hospice and Hartlepool Hospice gathered to receive £1,500 cheques from patrons of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.

But all had one voice as they asked generous locals to continue to donate to and fundraise for the hospices at a time when resources are being stretched due to government cutbacks.

Jess Naylor, community fundraiser for Stockton's Butterwick Hospice, said the unit needs more than £4m a year to continue to provide a service. “That money is vital to enable us to provide a service for babies, children and adults,” she said. “We are reliant on the generosity and support of the public and local businesses.”

Teesside Hospice plan to put their £1,500 donation towards the £500-a-day running costs for each person in their in-patient unit.

Hartlepool Hospice fundraising manager Rebecca Jobson revealed the hospice must raise £2 million a year of the unit’s annual running costs of £2.4 million via fundraising and donations.

“Our hospice supports a population of 180,000 across Hartlepool and East Durham, making a real difference to those at the end of their lives and their families who are dealing with bereavement,” she said.

Under a banner of “Fighting for Teesside Together”, Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation has raised more than £800,000 over the past four years, creating apprenticeships, boosting local community groups and supporting a range of charities for those suffering poverty or homelessness.