The Hospice of St Francis is a charity local to me that cares for men and women with life-limiting or terminal illness. They provide essential care for patients and their families, operating a dedicated inpatient facility as well as providing local outreach and care in patients' homes. I am pretty scared about taking part in a skydive to raise money for them, but it's nothing compared to the stress and anxiety that can come with finding suitable hospice care and services.

Like many people, I have seen my own relatives benefit from hospice care in the past, and know how much of a difference it can make to the patient and their family. Without charities like The Hospice of St Francis, I believe many people with life-limiting illnesses would struggle to find a care option that suits them. The Hospice needs £4.6 million every year to continue their work, and only 20% of that figure will come from the NHS. This is where we need you!

Here's how your sponsorship will directly help patients:

• £25 will pay for a whole day’s supply of oxygen for a patient with breathing difficulties.
• £50 will pay for a creative therapy session for a child experiencing the loss of a loved one.
• £100 will keep one of the Community Specialist Nurses on the road for a day.
• £500 will pay for an entire morning shift of nursing on the In Patient Unit.
  

Any amount you donate will go towards supporting this vital cause, so please dig deep. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity.