Thousands of chronically-ill children and adults beg for help – a special appeal by Otford-based charity Hospices of Hope

Graham Perolls, the CEO and founder of Otford-based charity Hospices of Hope, writes: 

We are all facing unprecedented challenges due to the current crisis, and I hesitate to write to you at this time. However, I feel I should reach out first of all to our current supporters, as you will know how vital our services are to our beneficiaries in South East Europe.

Last week, I was called by our CEO in Romania to say that Bucharest hospitals were suddenly discharging all their patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses to make way for coronavirus cases. This has understandably caused feelings of panic and abandonment amongst the patients and families affected by such drastic action and the hospice has been inundated with pleas for help.

The crisis is sadly affecting all the countries we work in and most are in virtual lockdown.  We are now concentrating on our two most vital services: home-care and in-patient admissions. Our medical staff are aware of the risks but are determined to continue to do all they can to help patients in their hour of need. They will be taking all protective measures possible and we are trying to help them find all they need.

As you can imagine, our fundraising plans have been decimated due to the crisis and we have had to cancel all our events up to at least June, including our Gala Dinner. In addition, our charity shops face imminent closure. We are desperate to keep supporting our country partners so that they can continue providing care for people who have absolutely no social safety net. We estimate a funding shortfall during the next few months of £460,000 and we do not keep large reserves.

As a team, we will be making some personal sacrifices in order to secure the longer term viability of the charity. If you have the capacity to help us at this time, we would be so grateful. The easiest is to donate is by following the donation button on our website.

Alternatively, donations can be sent by post or by bank transfer:

HSBC plc, 1/5 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1QW

account name: Hospices of Hope
sort code: 40-31-06
account number: 62006472

In these difficult times, we pray for safety for you and your families.

Many thanks for your support and continued interest.

Kind regards,

Graham Perolls
Founder/CEO
Hospices of Hope
11 High Street, Otford, Kent, TN14 5PG

T:  01959 525110

E:  graham@hospicesofhope.co.uk