BURY Hospice has said that it is "delighted" after being awarded £37,000 through a National Lottery scheme, which will help provide four new care assistants and computer equipment.

The emergency Covid-19 funding was supplied by the government and distributed by the National Lottery as a direct response to the hardship that many charities were facing because of lockdown, and prioritises supporting communities facing disproportionate challenge and difficulty as a result of the crisis.

The National Lottery Coronavirus Community Support Fund has awarded £37,000 to support the hospice's fundraising, which has been badly hit during the pandemic.

The money will be used to help fund the cost of hiring four new Health Care Assistants and computer equipment, which the hospice calls "a welcome boost."

During the first few months of lockdown, Bury Hospice had to become more resourceful and creative in its approach to fundraising as all six of its shops and two warehouses were closed, while fundraising and supporter events are still currently unable to go ahead.

Rachel Wallace, Bury Hospice head of marketing, communications and fundraising, said “We are so grateful to our community for their overwhelming support fundraising for us over the past few months. Every penny makes all the difference.

"The £37k National Lottery grant is fantastic news for Bury Hospice and a much-needed cash boost to help support patients and their families through a difficult time that has been made even harder by Covid-19.”

Throughout the pandemic, Bury Hospice has continued to care and support patients, families and carers.

However, over 80% of volunteers have so far not felt able to return and currently the hospice is appealing for new volunteers to step forward to help them re-open more of their shops and increase trading hours.