SUSTAINING payments on energy bills is at the 'top of the worry list' for a local hospice. 

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice said they are facing energy bills that have tripled compared to that of last year. 

The hospice group is calling for more support from the government, at a time when spending on patient care is being diverted to cover heating costs. 

Julie Clayton, chief executive of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, said: "Energy costs are right at the top of my worry list, we are facing bills that are three times what we were paying this time last year. 

"We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week looking after people who are at the most vulnerable times of their lives, and we can’t simply turn the heating down.

"This is a cost we would rather be spending on patient care.

"We are so grateful to our community for their ongoing support when we know people are facing the same challenge with their own bills.

"Hospice UK has been lobbying for more support from the government for our sector and we believe hospices play a key role in supporting our very stretched health and care services.”

Last year, hospices across Cumbria and the northeast predicted £1m of additional energy costs at a time when they are already under pressure from salary inflation and the rising costs of running vehicles.

The hospice has several fundraising events you can get involved in to offer your support.

Taking place this year includes, a Chapel island Walk and a Bikes Boats Boots event taking place in the northernmost reaches of the beautiful Lake District. 

You can also support the hospice through their annual Make a Will month running throughout April, which encourages supporters to make a Will with various local participating solicitors in return for a suggested donation to Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.

Or you can simply make a donation to help cover the £450 per hour it costs to deliver the care the hospice provides, of which as a local charity, they have to fund the first £350.

To find out more about Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice’s latest events or to donate call 01228 810801 or visit their website www.edenvalleyhospice.org.