AN initiative to provide hospice patients with a bright and modern bedroom has been boosted by a generous donation.

Warrington-based Redwood Bank is backing St Rocco’s ‘renovate a room’ fundraising drive to ensure those staying at the hospice have a comfortable environment to spend time in.

The hospice’s running costs are £5million a year, and with NHS funding only covering a fifth of the costs, the charity has to rely on donations and fundraising for the rest.

To help, the challenger bank has thrown its support behind the initiative with a £2,000 donation.

Gary Wilkinson, Redwood Bank’s chief executive officer and co-founder, said: “Our focus has always been on supporting our local community.

“When we heard about St Rocco’s renovate a room fundraising opportunity, we knew immediately we wanted to help.

“The hospice is close to the hearts of many people in the area, and it can only continue its invaluable work through donations.

“We are proud to support St Rocco’s.”

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The hospice supports people with any life-limiting or terminal illness, which could include those with serious cardiac or respiratory issues and illnesses such as motor neurone disease.

More than half of people admitted to the hospice’s inpatient unit go home again after spending time there, while many others are cared for through community teams.

Nicola Henshaw, senior relationships fundraiser at St Rocco’s, added: “We are extremely grateful for the support of Redwood Bank, which will go a long way in helping to provide our patients with a homely bedroom that is fit for purpose.

“As well as providing the essentials, we also want to make sure our patients benefit from the little extras that can make a difference during their stay with us.

“Donations like this enable us to do so.”