Blackpool's hospice gets well timed boost from town law team as funding is hit by coronavirus

With business coming to a stand still for many firms and lockdown restrictions hitting any form of fund-raising events Blackpool’s Trinity hospice is facing worrying times.

But 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.

And now in the face of the current health crisis, the Edward Street firm added another £5,000 for the adult hospice – a gesture which has been warmly welcomed.

Warren Spencer, managing director at Blackhurst Budd said: “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.

“While 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.”

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 offering beds to take pressure of the NHS.

Mr Spencer 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.”

Corporate partnership manager Janet Atkins said: “This donation comes at a time of considerable pressure at Trinity, when our nurses are on the front line 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.”