Tracy issued an open letter via the Hospice’s social media channels highlighting the need to source smart TVs and accessories for patients’ bedrooms to allow them to connect with loved ones using video calls during the Coronavirus crisis; a time when visiting is restricted and many people are in isolation.

Within days of the message going out, Alice House had received donations and pledges to provide 11 TVs and wall brackets as well as some Facebook Portal TV devices, which enable the TVs to make the video calls. The brackets and TV’s have now been installed and Alice House are awaiting stock of Facebook Portals; there has been a surge in demand for these as families are looking for new ways to stay connected.

The majority of responses came through social media, highlighting the power of online support. Several businesses, Hospice volunteers, supporters and staff members came to the rescue with donations.

Greg Hildreth, Deputy Fundraising Manager at Alice House was contacted by many of the donors and was overwhelmed by the response; Greg said “The generosity we have seen from our supporters during this challenging time is incredible. Despite people and businesses facing pressures and uncertainties themselves, they still came forward to help patients and their families. This support will make a huge difference; for some patients it will mean that they are not alone as they approach the end of their lives, giving families a chance to be with them virtually, when they cannot visit in person.

On behalf of everyone at Alice House, I would like to say a huge thank you and would like to stress the importance of supporting Hospice care at this time, when the majority of our usual fundraising channels have been put on hold.”