WIGAN and Leigh Hospice welcomed a huge donation from an independent business after seeking funding support to help with ongoing running costs.

Founded in 1984, Wigan & Leigh Hospice provides care for over 1,200 people every year from their Hindley headquarters and through home visits to patients.

A vital care network for those needing palliative care, the hospice's services cost around £18,500 a day to run, which has been a struggle to meet during the cost of living crisis and a drop off in donations.

Two-thirds of their financial targets is generated through charity shops, lottery, and fundraising, which has been given a huge boost by a £3,000 donation from housebuilder Permisson via a charity initiative. 

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Leigh Journal: Wigan & Leigh Hospice, on Kildare Street in HindleyWigan & Leigh Hospice, on Kildare Street in Hindley (Image: Wigan & Leigh Hospice)
Persimmon North West Managing Director Ian Hilliker and Wigan Councillor John Vickers visited the hospice last month to formally present the cheque for £3,000.

Councillor John Vickers said; "I know from personal experience the fantastic work done by Wigan and Leigh Hospice in caring for people needing palliative and end of life care.

“The majority of their income comes from fundraising and donations and without such generous donations the Hospice would not exist.”

Chris Swinton, Events Fundraiser at Wigan and Leigh Hospice, added “We’re delighted to receive the support of Persimmon. It was a great pleasure to speak with the team about the work of the hospice.

“We want people to be aware that while many patients receive care at our hospice site in Hindley, we provide support for patients and families across the whole of the Wigan and Leigh borough.

“This outstanding level of care can only continue to be provided thanks to the dedicated assistance from local businesses and wonderful supporters like Persimmon.”

Leigh Journal: The hospice needs to raise two-thirds of its financial targets to keep services runningThe hospice needs to raise two-thirds of its financial targets to keep services running (Image: Wigan & Leigh Hospice)
Ian Hilliker, Managing Director at Persimmon North West, commented; “It was a pleasure to visit the hospice and meet the dedicated team who provide invaluable care and support to so many individuals and families.

“We’re delighted that we have been able to help in this way through our Community Champions initiative and I wish their team all the very best for the future.”

Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative is open to all local charities, community groups and sports clubs. Winners are chosen every quarter with successful applicants receiving between £1,000 and £6,000.