Situated on the edge of Clapham Common, south London, the Trinity Hospice provides palliative care for inpatients and patients in their own home suffering from terminal illnesses. Today it needs £16,438 a day to continue caring for its wide range of patients, both young and old, and is asking for the help of businesses and individuals.
The Trinity Hospice was established in 1891 with a founding £1,000 donation from Colonel William Hoare of the London Hoare banking family. Today the hospice continues its work caring for the terminally ill easing the comfort of its patients' final days. The hospice's £6m annual running cost is mainly funded by donations and legacies whilst the National Health Service provides around 27% of the funds. This year the hospice is seeking to raising an extra £½m, to fund special projects which would not otherwise go ahead without the extra funding.
Donors are able to designate what they would like their gift to go towards. For example £5,000 funds the sponsorship of the Trinity community car, £10,000 will fund a relative's room on a ward, £20,000 will fund the work of the palliative care library, whilst £50,000 funds the refurbishment of the hospice's reception area.
As well as contributing cash people can support the work of the hospice by participating in fundraising events such as white water rafting or if they live in the catchment area become a volunteer; Currently there are 300 of them active in the community.
The charity has made significant efforts to reach out to the business community and understands their needs. Thus it has worked hard to promote tax efficient giving of cash and shares.
Patrick Hurst, the chairman of Trinity Hospice, and chairman of his own company and became involved in the charity's work when his wife, Jackie was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He says:
'Having cared for someone with cancer, I have experienced at first hand the anger, shock, depression and loneliness this ole can bring. I have also come to appreciate the vital importance of the work Trinity Hospice provides to its local community, helping people like Jackie and families like mine.'
He added:
'The work Trinity Hospice does is invaluable. It is a special place to me and an essential part of our local community. Its continuance is dependent on so many people who give generously of their time, commitment and money.'
Trinity Hospice has for a long time attracted high-profile backing. The Queen Mother has been patron of the charity for an incredible 76 years. To mark this dedicated service the trustees have set up a special fund in her name to which all legacies will be allocated for the benefit of the hospice.
Trinity’s Trustees recognise the importance of Board leadership and have all made tax effective donations to kick off this special 110th fundraising campaign.
If you would like to join them in supporting the UK’s oldest hospice, please
contact Trinity Trustee (and Ariadne investor) Susan Dark
at sudark@aol.com or write to Susan c/o Trinity Hospice:
Trinity Hospice
30 Clapham Common North Side
London SW4 0RN
Tel: 020 7787 1000
Fax: 020 7787 1020
Patrick Hurst, Chairman, Trinity Hospice (foreground) and Her Grace the
Duchess of Grafton GCVO - one of Trinity's Vice Presidents, alongside Dick Webster,