A charity-run hospice that support people in Huntingdonshire is set to be featured on a BBC appeal programme.

Sue Ryder, managers of St John’s Hospice in Bedfordshire, will shine a spotlight on the hardships hospice charities face on the upcoming BBC Lifeline appeal.

Allison Mann, service director, spoke on the hopes they have for this opportunity to reach a wider audience.

Ms Mann said: “Being featured as part of the BBC Lifeline appeal gives Sue Ryder the opportunity to share more about what we do and the support we need to keep delivering our services with potentially hundreds of thousands of TV viewers."

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She pressed on the importance of understanding what hospices do and how crucial their services are, covering everything from palliative care to bereavement services.

Unveiling a stark reality, she added: "Data shows that 50% of all people dying in England receive palliative, but estimates suggest up to 90% need this care each year.

“What’s more demand for Sue Ryder’s online bereavement services have never been higher – with a staggering 86pc of people who have experienced grief having told us they have felt alone in their grief."

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With government funding covering only one-third of the costs, hospices heavily rely upon community support, fundraising, and donations.

Ms Mann explained it in her words: “Sue Ryder relies on people running marathons or selling second-hand cardigans in our shops to keep our services open.

"This must change so we can ensure no one is left to grieve or die alone.”

Encouraging viewers to tune into the appeal, due to air on BBC1, August 18 at 1.50pm and a repeat on BBC2, August 23 at 12.50pm, she concluded: “I hope viewers who see the appeal will find out more about the support which is available to them, for free, here in Bedfordshire.”