RESIDENTS in Thurrock are being asked to show their support for St Luke's Hospice – which provides essential care to people in the community through its hospice at Nethermayne in Basildon and the outreach centre on Lampits Hill in Corringham.

The hospice also has a chain of several fundraising shops across the borough – though all are currently closed for the coronavirus crisis

St Luke's has launched a 'Blue Heart Campaign' encouraging people to create and share a blue heart in a show of solidarity and love by placing their blue heart creations in the windows of homes and businesses and sharing their efforts on social media channels using the hashtag #LoveStLukes.

Inspired by the rainbows which have appeared in the windows of people's homes since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the Blue Heart Campaign aims to serve as a visual reminder of the love and support shown across the local community.

St. Luke's Hospice continues to provide essential care to people in the community; in people's own homes, in its In-Patient Unit, and by offering vital support services such as counselling over the phone, where it is able to do so.

The Hospice is working closely with local healthcare providers to ensure care continues in the community, alleviating pressure on the NHS whist meeting the needs of those it cares for.

Challenging

Its CEO Eileen Marshall says: "The past few weeks have been challenging but we're buoyed by the incredible support of our local community. The words of thanks and gratitude to our staff in cards, messages and online, as well as the generous offers of help and donations, truly helps lift spirits in these uncertain times.

"The Blue Heart Campaign serves not only as a tribute to the love we have received from our incredible community during this difficult period, but also the profound admiration we have for them. I hope people will join us by taking part in this small but meaningful act."

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The charity hopes the Blue Heart Campaign will unite people in their support for the Hospice and its services.

Like many charities, St. Luke's Hospice is facing financially difficult times in the current crisis, which has seen fundraising events cancelled or postponed and the closure of its charity shops.

The charity estimates it could lose in excess of £230,000 over the next three months from fundraising and shop income alone.

The charity will be sharing ways supporters can raise essential funds for the Hospice at home.

This includes taking part in sponsored exercise bike rides, a 10k treadmill challenge, organising a virtual 'bake off' or Big Brew coffee morning – or even holding a concert for friends and family online.

You can follow activities organised by St Lukes here.