Charity's pledge to support dying patients across Yorkshire during coronavirus crisis

Terminal illness charity Marie Curie is geared up to care for coronavirus patients across Yorkshire, but is facing a funding shortfall.
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Marie Curie’s chief executive Matthew Reed has said charity desperately needs more donations from people across Yorkshire if it is to continue caring for dying people and help the NHS cope with the Coronavirus crisis. 

Marie Curie needs to raise £2.5m a week to continue to run its essential frontline services, but its ability to generate the money has been seriously compromised.

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Given the choice, people overwhelmingly say they would prefer to die in their own home, or in a hospice, rather than a hospital.

A Marie Curie nurseA Marie Curie nurse
A Marie Curie nurse

People who are dying can leave hospital quickly, if the right package of care is in place and it is safe to do so. Marie Curie are experts in providing that care.

The charity says dying people who do not want to be in hospital need to be moved to a more appropriate setting, as precious beds in critical care units are urgently required for patients who need lifesaving treatment for coronavirus.

Marie Curie can help, but only if it continues to raise the donations it needs to fund its vital work.

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Mr Reed said: “At this time of national emergency, Marie Curie Nurses and frontline staff are needed more than ever as the NHS is put under ever greater strain. We’re ready and geared up to help, with hospice beds and nurses on standby.

“Sadly, some people’s lives will be shortened by coronavirus, so the need for end of life care will be greater. Marie Curie can meet this need, and in doing so will help free up intensive care beds needed for coronavirus patients.

“But just as we want to help, our income has been decimated. We need donations urgently to keep our nurses and hospice staff on the frontline.

“Unlike other healthcare providers, Marie Curie is reliant on donations from the public to survive. Every week the charity needs to raise £2.5m to care for the tens of thousands of people who require nursing and hospice care.

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" Now, our ability to fundraise is seriously compromised. Events are being cancelled, and we’ve had to close our shops. That is why we have launched an emergency appeal to make up the shortfall and ensure the charity can care for more dying patients, support the NHS and ultimately save lives in the weeks and months ahead.”

“We are all in this crisis together and already we are seeing how the public in this country is rising to support each other and the most vulnerable.  Please donate now.” 

People can donate to Marie Curie online at mariecurie.org.uk/emergency

Or text NURSE to 70633. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.