St Raphael’s Hospice has launched its first Sponsor a Nurse Campaign to raise funds for the nursing care it provides for people in Sutton and Merton.

More than 1,000 local people facing life-limiting illnesses are cared for by St Raphael’s nurses each year. 

St Raphael’s Hospice helps people in the comfort of their own home and on the ward at the Hospice at no charge.

Michelle Brocklehurst, Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Raphael’s Hospice, said: “This is a vital appeal for us, as we rely on the generosity of our community to help us carry out the important work we do.

“Our aim is to support everyone to live their life as they wish, making the most of every precious moment.

“Nurses at St Raphael’s focus on living.

“We treat the person, not just the illness.

“By sponsoring a St Raphael’s nurse today, you will help ensure that people live the fullest life they can, until the end.”

It costs the charity £6.5 million a year to provide free specialist services to the people of Sutton and Merton, with only 25 per cent of their funding coming from the NHS.

People can donate to St Raphael’s Sponsor a Nurse appeal by signing up for regular giving or with a one-off donation.

The generosity of the community allows the charity’s nurses to be there for as many local people as possible, with a small monthly gift having a positive impact for months or years to come.

Kate Billingham Wilson, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at St Raphael’s Hospice, said: “Through this appeal, we hope that our entire community will get involved and feel like they are a part of the important work we are doing at their local Hospice.

“By giving as little as £10 per month, you will be helping your local palliative nurses in making a real difference to the lives of people in your community, when they need it most.

“We are so grateful to everyone in Merton and Sutton for their continued donations to the Hospice and hope that they will support our new Campaign.”