AN URGENT appeal to raise funds for Myton Hospice has raised £20,000 in less than a week.
The charity called for donations after being forced to postpone its anStorynual Glow for Myton run and a number of other fund-raising events.
Following the recently announced lockdown the charity has also closed its 27 shops and is no longer able to hold collections in supermarkets.
Myton also had a number of people signed up to take part in the London Marathon and Coventry Half Marathon, which have both been postponed.
But supporters have rallied to help the charity, which has sites in Warwick, Coventry and Rugby and also offers community care.
To keep running it needs £9million annually to support terminally ill patients and their families.
In five days more than £20,000 has been raised.
Chief executive Ruth Freeman said: “In true Myton style we have pulled together, and we have been blown away by the support.
“The coronavirus outbreak means we are struggling with our finances. With events and collections being cancelled we are going to find it impossible to raise the £750,000 we need each month to keep running.
“The community has already supported us and we need them to continue with that support more than ever.”
The charity supports people and their families with life-limiting illnesses through its hospices and community care.
Due to the outbreak it is currently only offering care through its inpatient units in Warwick and Coventry and in the community.
But it says with the times already challenging for the charity, which relies solely on donations, it needs to raise more money to keep its operations running.
Ms Freeman said: “We are genuinely concerned about the impact the coronavirus outbreak is already having on our ability to raise vital funds.
“Myton cares for some of the most vulnerable people and makes the most difficult times that little bit more manageable for patients and their families, so we are asking if you can please show your support.
“Everyday is becoming more of a struggle. so if you would consider helping us a little bit more or if you haven’t supported us yet please do.
“You could make a donation, sign up to our Glow For Myton event for when it is held later in the year, sign up to our lottery or even set up a Facebook fund-raiser, anything you do will help us to support patients when they need it most.”
Visit mytonhospice.org/appeal to donate.