"Hospices face collapse as funding dries up overnight".

“Hospices have warned that they are desperately short of funds because of the coronavirus lock-down, despite an emergency government package”.       TheTimes, Monday April 13th

Looking at our own journey, we can see that this is true. Sally’s Challenge for Salisbury Hospice started bravely and raised over £5k in short order from our first fund-raising venture - your support was truly magnificent and far exceeded our expectations.

BUT Sally challenged us to raise funds over 12 months and we set plans for sponsored cycle rides from Winchester to Brighton along the South Downs Way, a team effort for the Hospice Midnight walk and other events. Our hope was that we would at least double our early success.

Now all that planned effort has come to a standstill - and with it the ongoing funding stream that we had hoped for.   Many other fundraisers are facing an identical situation.

Salisbury Hospice Charity are less than 40% funded by the NHS. Yet they never turn anyone in need away.  In spite of this funding drought, the work of the Hospice continues unabated. Even now, as our dearest Sally moves nearer to the end of her life with us, the hospice are assuring us that they will bring their carers to her - “hospice at home” - rather than risk her becoming hospitalised in utterly stressful circumstances that we know she would not survive.

So I say, Enough - our help is needed now - and Sally’s Challenge MUST continue, even if our plans are for now 'virtual' ones .

You have already given most generously - and things are really hard for us all right now - but could I ask you to consider whether you could go a further mile with me on this journey by 

•        making a new donation now,
  
•        introducing Sallys' Challenge to just one friend, and
•        linking this story to your Facebook or Twitter account
  

I have made my pledge to get things started - do join me if you can.

Our support will help the Salisbury Hospice to continue providing their wonderful end of life care, not only to Sally, but also to so many others deserving of their special love.

Thank you.  Peter

I do hope that you will support this family effort. My love to you all. Sally    xx

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