THANKS is the message from the chief executive of the Farleigh Hospice who has written an open letter to Dunmow Broadcast readers who have helped raise funds and support the charity throughout 2009. The letter reads: As we come to the end of

'THANKS' is the message from the chief executive of the Farleigh Hospice who has written an open letter to Dunmow Broadcast readers who have helped raise funds and support the charity throughout 2009.

The letter reads:

"As we come to the end of 2009 I would like to take the opportunity to say a big 'Thank You' to all of the local people and companies who have supported Farleigh Hospice throughout the year.

"It is only through their generosity and support that we have been able to continue to deliver our high level of essential hospice care, totally free of charge, to the people of mid Essex. Of course the brilliant help and coverage you yourselves have given us throughout the year has contributed greatly to our success and for this we are also extremely grateful.

"To give a brief summary: - during the financial period of 2008/09, Farleigh Hospice provided care to a total of 2516 people affected by life-limiting illnesses across its diverse range of services. 12 per cent of these people had illnesses other than cancer and 136 of them were aged between 18 and 40.

Our nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists made 4821 home visits, enabling patients to remain in the community and independent and supported in their own homes for as long as possible.

"Patients attended our day hospices on 2638 occasions, our team of trained volunteers made 1758 phone calls to bereaved relatives and a record number of 369 patients were cared for on our inpatient unit,.

With only part of our running costs being covered through government funding, something which is still a little known fact to so many; - to fund this care we need raise �6750 each and every day through voluntary funding.

"This money is raised by our wonderful community members leaving gifts in their Wills, making regular donations, fundraising, supporting our nine charity shops and playing the local hospice lottery for as little as just �1 per week.

"Unbelievably the care provided to one in four of our patients is now funded through people making and leaving gifts to Farleigh Hospice in their wills.

"December itself saw 1369 people take part in two Santa Fun Runs, held in Chelmsford and Maldon, and a fantastic estimated total of almost �70,000 was pledged in sponsorship money across the two events. The support of our fundraising events, such as the Santa Fun Runs, 'Walk for Life' which takes place in May, the 'Sunrise Walk' and 'Cycle for Life', is in fact now so tremendous that accumulatively, they contribute around �500,000 per year to our funding.

"We hope that 2010 will see even more people being part of these fun-filled events which are so important to our hospice.

So when you see us say "Thank you - it is because you care that we can" on our various leaflets and literature throughout the year, I hope that you will understand just how true it is and how much we mean it."

Janet Doghan chief executive of the Farleigh Hospice.

To find out more about Farleigh Hospice - visit www.farleighhospice.org