Jane McDonald shows her thanks to Hospice staff in new video

In the video, issued as part of a project to support hospice patients and their families during the coronavirus crisis, she thanks staff for their hard work.

The Wakefield-born star said: “These are very difficult times, but I just wanted to send you all a huge thank you for the amazing work that you do and the special care that you give.

“I just want you to know how appreciated you are, how loved and how cherished you all are.”

In the video, released today, Wakefield Hospice staff reassure patients and their families that it is “business as usual”, despite the ongoing issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

But the Hospice, which cares for more than 300 in-patients and 1,800 day therapy attendees each year, faces a fundraising gap this year, after staff were forced to cancel most of the fundraising events.

Public donations make up three-quarters of the Hospice’s funding, amounting to around £3 million each year.

CEO of Wakefield Hospice, Tina Turner, said: “We hope that our video message will offer people an insight into what we do within the hospice and how we utilise our donations.

“We are privileged to be able to provide sensitive and dignified care to people at the end of their lives.

“Our services help patients, as well as their family members, and we want to reassure everyone that we are still operating as normal, whilst adhering to national guidelines in order to keep everyone safe.

“While we have had to cancel or postpone our programme of fundraising events planned to celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, we remain positive and are keen to extend our gratitude to all of our supporters, who enable us to keep providing the care we do.

“In particular we would like to thank Jane for her lovely message and continued support.”