The Hospice UK campaign is backed by 143 hospices — including 11 in London that care for 25,000 patients a year — and has TV advertising and real life stories to encourage leaving a legacy to continue end-of-life care.
Five hospices taking part covering north London, east London and neighbouring Hertfordshire are Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in High Barnet, St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton, St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, North London Hospice in Woodside Park and Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower.
Noah’s Ark is running a “make a will” event on at the Wesley Hall community centre in Stapylton Road on February 28 from 3pm until 7pm.
“Gifts in wills have enormous impact,” Noah’s Ark chief executive Sophie Andrews said.
“There can be no kinder legacy than protecting palliative care for our children.”
The hospice supports 350 young people and their families every year — but there are 2,500 more in its catchment area needing its help in the London boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Camden and Islington as well as neighbouring Hertsmere.
St Luke’s in Kenton serves Brent and Harrow.
Its chief executive Lindsey Bennister said: “This campaign shows the critical work we do and the lasting impact that gifts in wills can have to provide care.”
Legacies accounted for ten per cent of St Luke’s’ income last year, covering the cost of care for just 366 patients and their families.
Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower gives care for anyone living in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Brentwood who has been diagnosed with a serious life-limiting illness.
Their spokesperson said: “This campaign highlights the lasting impact that gifts in wills can have to continue palliative and end-of-life care.
“Demand for hospice care in an ageing population is increasing year-on-year.
“It’s never been more important to consider a legacy gift, however big or small, so we can be there for those who may need us in the future.”
Hospices get less than a fifth of their annual running costs from the NHS, relying on public donations such as gifts in wills for the rest.
