Hospice staff are on the front line of care during the Covid-19 crisis: and a generous financial donation will help the Trinity team go on caring for local people in the weeks and months ahead.

Blackhurst Budd had made Trinity’s Linden Centre its charity of the year, pledging £5,000 to help fund its bereavement counselling services for adults and children. But in the face of the current health crisis, the firm added another £5,000 for the adult hospice – a gesture which has been warmly welcomed.

Warren Spencer, Managing Director at Blackhurst Budd commented: “We are delighted to be able to support the Linden Centre and Trinity Hospice at this difficult time, when many charities are struggling to raise the regular income they need. We are aware that all planned fundraising activities have been abandoned due to Covid-19 and social distancing measures.

“Whilst NHS related charities are receiving a great deal of well-deserved coverage at the moment, we must not forget the vast number of other worthy charities who still need the support of local businesses and individuals to survive.”

He added: “I must stress that this donation comes from the firm’s charity account, which comprises of many small sums of money (residual balances), that our generous clients have agreed to donate. A great deal of hard work has gone into this process over the last six months by our accounts departments and that is reflected in the amount we are able to donate.”

With its summer events cancelled and an uncertain few months ahead, Trinity is facing a big funding deficit, despite money being pledged to the hospice sector by the Government. Fundraisers expect to be at least £500,000 down on targets – at a time when the hospice is busier than ever as it offers bed space to help ease pressure on NHS services locally.

Corporate Partnership Manager Janet Atkins said: “This donation comes at a time of considerable pressure at Trinity, when our nurses are on the frontline of Covid-19 care and many sources of funding have dried up.

“Blackhurst Budd have been staunch supporters over the years and we cannot thank them enough for their financial support in these unprecedented times. They are a fantastic example of a local company helping local people.”