Hope House sees donations fall by a third

A Shropshire charity has seen its income plummet by a third in the past financial year, bosses have revealed.

Vanessa Thomas, from Hope House, which has a hospice in Morda, near Oswestry, spoke of the dire financial situation to representatives of three Rotary clubs in the county. The fundraising manager for Shropshire & Mid Wales said about 300 families were relying on the charity, which costs £3.5 million a year to run.

"We all have to work a bit harder," said Ms Thomas, who told the Rotary clubs of Shawbury and Mid Shropshire, Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Darwin that income from general donations was down by 30 per cent.

She said: "Thank you for enabling us to keep our doors open to help those families who need us."

Ms Thomas was one of three charity representatives each receiving cheques for £2,300 from last year's Rotary Tree of Light at the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury.

The other recipients of cheques were Midlands Air Ambulance and Parkinson's who all thanked the three Rotary clubs for their support.

Iain Gilmour, president of the Rotary club of Shawbury and Mid Shropshire, presented a cheque to Amanda Elliott, Parkinson's UK regional fundraiser for the West Midlands.

Alan Wilding, president of Shrewsbury Rotary, presented the cheque to Vanessa Thomas while Paul Mott, senior vice president of Shrewsbury Darwin, presented the cheque to Ian Lloyd-Jones of the air ambulance.

Mr Gilmour said: "I hope you can keep up the good work because it costs £6.6 million to fly three helicopters covering six counties in the Midlands and Rotary's donation will go towards one hour's flying costs."

He added: "We are really appreciative of any contribution to the air ambulance which doesn't discriminate from a baby to anyone."

Hope House Children's Hospices provide care and support to life limited children, young people and their families.

A range of services is offered including respite and terminal care at the hospice and within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family.

A hospice fundraising team, along with shops and many volunteers, ensures consistent and high quality support can be maintained.

By Russell Roberts