Serious funding shortfalls have left a leading charitable health centre caring for the terminally ill £300,000 in the red.
Figures revealed exclusively by the Keighley News this week show Manorlands hospice needs more than £1 million in the next year just to maintain its vital services, and a further £200,000 to cover its entire operational costs.
Despite the generous backing of supporters, the Oxenhope Sue Ryder home is struggling to fund its invaluable community work. Last year’s contributions totalled just over £900,000.
Today, we are joining forces with Manorlands to launch a massive fundraising appeal.
We are asking kind-hearted readers to dig deep to smash the £1 million barrier during the next 12 months.
Once that figure is reached, we hope to be able to push on towards the magic £1.2 million mark, which will pay for all the wonderful care given to desperately ill district residents in the final few weeks of their lives.
We know this is a big ask in such difficult financial times, but Manorlands relies heavily on voluntary contributions to fund its services. And Keighley News readers have proved time and again over the years just how generous they can be in supporting those in need.
Manorlands palliative care services manager, Lizzie Procter, said: “Thanks to the fantastic support of the local community, we’ve been able to provide incredible care at the hospice for almost 40 years.
“Whilst the money raised year in, year out is a true testament to the fantastic generosity of our supporters, the harsh truth is we are still not raising enough to meet the costs of providing our services.
“We are extremely grateful to the Keighley News for joining forces with us to raise awareness of this issue, and we’re confident that by working together with the local community, we’ll be able to raise the £1.2 million needed this year.”
Manorlands provides specialist palliative care and treatment in the hospice – or at patients’ homes – for people suffering from life-limiting illnesses, and also supports their relatives during what can be a traumatic time.
People are being urged to get behind the appeal in whatever way they can – by taking part in some of the many activities staged by the hospice’s fundraising team and supporters, by organising their own events or by simply making a donation. Every pound raised will go directly towards the Sue Ryder home.
Keighley News editor, Richard Parker, said: “We appreciate we’re talking about a huge sum of money.
“Many of our readers will be facing their own financial problems this year, but this is such a vital cause. There can’t be many people living locally who haven’t been touched by the wonderful service Manorlands provides, and it’s essential we do all we can to support the team’s work.”
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