HAVENS Hospices' hopes south Essex residents will make a donation to support those living with complex or incurable conditions and their families across Essex or for businesses, schools and community groups to hold a fun festive fundraiser.

As people celebrate Christmas with their family or friends, its local hospices will still be providing 24 hour specialist nursing care to those who need them most.

To raise vital funds towards this care, Havens Hospices has a number of ways in which the community can support its care this festive period.

On Tuesday, 7 December, people can sign up for a fun-filled evening taking part in the charity's popular Christmas Virtual Quiz hosted by Havens Hospices Patron and Radio Essex presenter Su Harrison for a donation of just £5.

Businesses, schools and community groups can raise funds by holding a Christmas Jumper Day or as an alternative to sending and posting cards this year, people can send a Christmas 'e-card' to family and friends instead for a donation.

Additionally, locals can purchase a 'Gift in Kindness', a unique present for someone special but also a truly life-changing gift which makes a difference to the children, young people and adults the hospices care for. A gift of just £5 could help pay for art and crafts materials for a session of creative therapy or £15 could provide a complementary therapy session for a patient, or their carer, helping them to relax and ease anxiety.

Judy Grocott, Voluntary Income Manager at Havens Hospices says: "Incurable illnesses don't take a break in December. As people celebrate Christmas with their family or friends, our hospices will still be open to provide 24 hour care to those who need us most. We need your support so more families we care for can make treasured memories this Christmas. A donation of any size will be 'Making every day count'.

"The Care Team across Havens Hospices will be spending much of the festive period on shift, either within the hospice or in the homes of our patients. They may visit to adjust pain relief or give personal care so the patient can be comfortable for the evening, enjoying the simple pleasure of a cup of tea and a mince pie. They'll be doing all they can to create positive, lasting memories during the toughest time of their lives.

"It's with thanks to people like you that we'll be able to be there, providing this specialist care free of charge.

"We would love to see how everyone is taking part so please remember to share your photos of your fundraiser with us on our social media pages tagging @havenshospices."

This year's festive fundraising campaign has been sponsored by local businesses Highview, Monthind, Montage Wealth Management, The Underfloor Heating Store, Constructive Space and Utilize.

To make a donation or to get involved in some festive fundraising click this linkl