In a joint open letter, Co-Chief Executive Officers Sandra Britten and Nicky Haggan said:

“It has been another challenging year for Hospices everywhere, including Alice House; we are grateful to all of our supporters whose kindness has ensured that our care services remain available to those who need us.

“This support has enabled a number of achievements this year including:

• Our Inpatient Unit and Day Hospice operating at constant capacity, meaning that we have supported as many patients and families as possible.
• Delivering around 1,500 sessions of bereavement counselling for adults and children – more than ever before.
• Being named Best Charitable Business at Hartlepool Business Awards.
• Our busiest year for fundraising events and engaging more and more people and organisations.

“We have celebrated these successes and are thankful for all who have made them possible. We hope that this will continue into 2025 so that we can continue to provide specialist care for people affected by life-limiting illness or the death of a loved one.

 “As we reflect on the events of the past year and consider what the future might bring, we look forward to working with our community, who have shown such incredible warmth and kindness, making a vital difference to local families.

“We know that many people will be missing loved ones this Christmas and we hope that you can find some peace and comfort in happy memories. We wish you all the very best for the festive season and the New Year.

“Thank you for continuing to make Hospice care possible in Hartlepool, Tees Valley and East Durham.”

Alice House Hospice provides care and support to patients and families affected by life limiting illness, or the death of a loved one in Hartlepool, Tees Valley and East Durham.

It costs over £3.6m to fund these services for one year; the Hospice receives just over 25% of this in Government funding, leaving a shortfall of over £7,000 to be raised every single day.