As the UK battles against coronavirus, Nelson-based business, Daisy Communications, has stepped up to help by making a heart-warming £10,000 donation to Pendleside Hospice to support efforts to reduce pressure on the local NHS.
Daisy Communications was founded in the region in 2001 and despite its rapid nationwide expansion has remained a local business at heart, supporting many causes and local people as a result. Despite the business being in lockdown and its employees all working remotely, Daisy Communications has kept a sharp eye on the needs of the local community.
Pendleside Hospice is one of Daisy Communications’ nominated charities, as selected by its staff, so when the call to arms came, Daisy responded rapidly.
The hospice was creaking under the weight of increased pressure for beds and was at its capacity before Daisy Communications stepped in with a donation of £10,000.
From new infection control flooring to oxygen systems, the donation was used to cover the one-off costs associated with converting the hospice’s day services into eight extra bedrooms within 10 days. The rooms will help reduce the need for palliative care and end-of-life patients to remain in hospital when beds there are at a premium.
Not stopping there, Daisy also donated a large volume of scarce personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, garments, and anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, to aid the fight against the virus.
The donations came about after Daisy Communications’ Founder and Chairman, Matthew Riley, who grew up and still lives in the area, reached out to the hospice to see what the business could do to help.
Daisy Communications is one of Pendle’s largest employers, with many of its 550-strong workforce living in the local area. Pendleside Hospice is close to many employees’ hearts having supported family members and friends and is why the hospice was selected to be one of the business’ chosen charities, with staff holding various activities throughout the year to raise valuable funds.
Matthew Riley, Founder and Chairman of Daisy, said: “Pendleside Hospice is an amazing charity and provides vital services to our local community. Beds are unfortunately increasing in demand due to the COVID-19 outbreak, so I’m proud that we have been able to do something to support the hospice and, in turn, the NHS. Charities rely heavily on fundraising, but they’re suffering from a significant loss of income; it’s more important than ever that the community comes together and supports wherever it can.”
Lisa Pearson, Head of Income Generation at Pendleside Hospice, said: “We receive grants from the CCG for our running costs, but with fundraising efforts impacted by coronavirus, we questioned how we were going to fund the equipment we needed for our new bedrooms. We are always grateful for donations, but at a time like this when businesses themselves are having to adapt in an uncertain world, it’s an amazing gesture from Daisy. The ramifications of COVID-19 will likely last between 18 to 24 months, so donations like this will be crucial to the long-term future of the hospice.”
Patients have already moved into the newly refurbished ward which was completed by hospice maintenance staff, with Michael Naylor (pictured) one of the first.
To donate to the Pendleside Hospice ‘Keep Your Hospice Open Appeal’, please go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/pendlesidecovid19appeal