A LOCAL hospice has received a £1,000 boost to its COVID-19 emergency fund thanks to members of a golf club.

Despite Blackwell Grange Golf Club being closed for over two months due to lockdown, members of the club's Ladies’ Section raised the money for St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington, which was nominated as their charity for the year.

The charity was chosen by the Lady Captain, Jacqueline Heaton, who wanted to help the hospice towards raising the £3m a year it needs to provide its core services free of charge for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire. These services include in-patient and community care, bereavement counselling and family support.

Ms Heaton said: “I was delighted to choose St Teresa’s as my charity of the year because it does such a wonderful job in supporting individuals and families from Darlington and the surrounding area. It now feels vital that St Teresa’s itself is given the support it deserves at such a difficult and challenging time.”

The Ladies’ Section, which currently has around 100 playing members, will continue to raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice between now and November. They hope to be able to present another significant cheque at the end of the year.

Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Chief Executive, said: “This is a very thoughtful gesture, and we are incredibly grateful for the donation at this time. The ladies have made a tremendous effort to raise £1,000 so far. I’m delighted to hear that they have continued to save up donations at home during lockdown, thinking of those who may need to use our services.”

Funds donated to the emergency appeal now total more than £92,000. The appeal is continuing until a deficit is no longer predicted, and donations can still be made at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/hugtostts.