Oxenhope hospice's plea after £80,000 shortfall (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Manorlands sees sharp fall in donations

10:36am Monday 7th February 2011 in Oxenhope

A hospice in the district has suffered a sharp drop in donations over the past few months.

Manorlands, at Oxenhope, near Keighley, has launched a desperate appeal to make up a shortfall in its budget of more than £80,000.

Jodie Shepherd, the area fundraising manager, said: “General donations are down over £33,000 compared to last year and donations from businesses are down over £50,000.”

She said one reason for the reduction could be that Manorlands was currently undergoing a major refurbishment.

She said: “We fear that the local communities have seen this and think that we have plenty of income and spare money.

“The opposite is in fact true. The refurbishment has been funded by a £555,000 grant for the Department of Health along with donations raised from a local appeal. We still have to fundraise for our ongoing costs.”

More details on (01535) 640430, at sueryder.org or by e-mailing jodie.shepherd@suerydercare.org.