Thames Hospice calls for support as demand for hospice care rises

With the number of annual deaths in the UK expected to rise by 130,000 by 2040, Thames Hospice has joined a coalition of hospices working to ensure vital end-of-life care remains accessible for all who need it.

As part of the national ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign this February, Thames Hospice is standing alongside over 140 hospices across England, Scotland, and Wales to highlight the growing need for hospice services and the urgent action required to meet future demand. By 2040, the UK will see a significant rise in the number of people requiring palliative and end-of-life care. Closer to home, Thames Hospice expects demand in its catchment area to grow by at least 9% by 2033.

Jane Symmons, Fundraising Director highlights: "We need to start future proofing. If we don’t, the gap in hospice care could become very real. The increasing demand will place unprecedented pressure on our services, which already rely on the generosity of our supporters."

"One of the most crucial ways to support hospice care for future generations is through gifts in Wills, which currently fund one in five inpatient beds at Thames Hospice."

Jane continued: “Gifts in Wills are essential to the survival and growth of hospices like ours. By leaving a gift in your Will, supporters ensure that hospice care continues to be there for families when they need us most.”

The national campaign which is showing on national TV channels in February is already making an impact with a powerful TV advert based on real-life hospice stories. Thames Hospice will be supporting this movement by showcasing the life-changing difference that gifts in Wills make, including inspiring stories like that of supporter Nicki Farrell.

Nicki, who has pledged a gift in her Will to Thames Hospice, shared her heartfelt reason for giving. “The care that Thames Hospice provided to my dad and us as a family was incredible. Dad was adamant that he wanted to spend his final days in the Hospice. Because my dad couldn’t give me away on my wedding day, my special in-memory gesture is being able to continue the support of Thames Hospice by leaving a gift in my Will.” Read Nicki's story here.

By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help ensure hospice care continues for generations to come. To learn more and ask for a Gifts in Wills Guide, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/giftinwill or contact 01753 847 308 or email wills@thameshospice.org.uk