AN EVENTS company has partnered with a self-funded charity to help keep their vital services running.

Directors from Barrow event company Pitch Up Events, James Howden, 30, Josef Jackson 29 and James Bonner 29 have partnered with St Mary’s Hospice for their ‘Pay a Day Campaign 2022’

James Howden said The team are immensely proud to pioneer St Mary’s Hospice Pay for a Day Campaign.

He said: “Since 1988 St Mary’s Hospice has been open to patients and their loved ones.

“Now, more than ever the charity needs our support to keep on providing care, comfort and support to the patients, their families and carers.

“The incredible team of staff and volunteers help with end of life care, symptom management, Living Well services, respite care and family bereavement support.

“St Mary’s Hospice is a charity and their services are free of charge to our community but they are not free to provide.

“It costs over £3.5 million a year to keep the hospice running, with less than 18 per cent of their costs being covered by the NHS.

“Our Pitch Up Promise for 2022 is to help St Mary’s continue to be here for our loved ones when they need them most.

“Our aim is to help pay for as many days as possible.

“Local supports local.”

St Mary's Area Fundraising Manager, Clare Paling said: "We had been looking for the right opportunity to launch the ‘Pay for a day’ initiative for some time.

"When Pitch Up Events kindly approached us to be their charity partner, their drive and ambition were the perfect match for the challenge of raising significant funds for the services that St Mary’s Hospice provides free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"Eight out of 10 of the patients we care for this year will be paid for by our brilliant community and amazing companies like the team at Pitch Up.

"We are excited to see what they can achieve as well as hoping they help us to raise awareness of the importance of hospice care with the people who attend their events."