Social media campaign supports hospice to get new cooker

A post on the hospice’s Facebook page on Tuesday said it needed urgent financial help to replace cooking facilities, which were “on their last legs”.

The hospice, on Aberford Road, cares for people who have advanced active, progressive and life threatening illnesses.

Its cooker is used by catering staff to prepare meals for its patients, their families and hospice staff and volunteers.

The Facebook post read: “Wakefield Hospice has had a ‘gas’tastrophe this week and are in urgent need of financial help to fund a new cooking unit so we can continue to meet our patients nutritional requirements and requests.

“As an unforeseen situation, we cannot afford to redirect our current fundraising income away from our ongoing running costs so are appealing to the wider community to help us by donating a few pounds each to help reach our target of £5,000.”

Kind-hearted members of the community donated to the cause, and the hospice reached its target in less than 24 hours.

It said the money would be used to replace the kitchen’s gas burner and oven and extractor, to ensure they meet health and safety requirements, before the equipment expires.

It said on Facebook: “Thanks to you wonderful, brilliant, amazing and generous people we have exceeded our £5,000 target in less than 24 hours.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the general public with donations coming in across the UK.

“Our cooker and extraction system was donated and fitted by Pinderfields Hospital 26 years ago when the hospice opened. The cooker works hard on a daily basis allowing our catering team to prepare and cook nutritious meals for our patients, families, staff and volunteers.

“We simply could not survive without your continued, generous and valued support. We will keep you updated with our progress as we have received so many offers of help. Thank you so so much.”