Insurance broker Gallagher has donated £2,000 to St David’s Hospice Care to support the delivery of vital care services to patients in their homes during the pandemic, following a surge in demand.
The donation, by the Gallagher team based in Llantrisant, was made through the firm’s Gallagher Community Fund scheme, a nationwide initiative which invites colleagues to nominate charities to receive funding.
St David’s Hospice Care, founded in 1979, provides cares for over 3,200 patients facing progressive, life-limiting illnesses and their families every year throughout Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and within South and Mid Powys.
The funding will go towards its ‘Hospice at Home’ service, manned by a team of nurses and healthcare assistants who provide palliative care to patients in their homes, as well as offering night respite support to families caring for their loved ones.
During the pandemic, St David’s Hospice Care has seen a 25% increase on demand for this service, as patients try to avoid hospital admissions. The service is only partially funded by the NHS, and so the hospice relies on donations to ensure it can continue to provide this vital service.
Gallagher’s latest donation forms part of the broker’s commitment to its local communities, with the Llantrisant team regularly participating in fundraising events organised by the hospice.
Keith Buckley, Corporate Director, Gallagher’s Llantrisant office, who nominated the charity, commented: “St David’s Hospice Care is a charity which means a lot to me personally. Having seen first-hand the superb support hospice staff provide to patients and families facing challenging times, I was only too pleased to put the charity forward for this community award, and I am proud we are supporting such a vital local cause.”
Emma Saysell MBE, CEO St David’s Hospice Care, said: “‘2020/21 has been the most financially challenging time for the hospice. We have seen the demand for our services increasing as many more of our patients wanted to die at home during this period. Our staff have worked tirelessly with all the pressures posed by the pandemic. With most of our income streams suspended during the year, we are so grateful to Gallagher for the very kind donation. Their generosity will help us to care for more patients who need us at this difficult time.”
