BUSINESSES across the community have joined the Star’s campaign that calls on people to step up and raise funds to help save Willowbrook Hospice.

The hospice has provided care for seriously ill patients since being created in 1997 following an incredible community fundraising drive.

It has gone on to become a charity that is both loved and respected by the St Helens public for the amazing care it offers for people in their final days.

This high level of care is free, however there is a cost to this service, one normally provided largely by donations, income from events, charity shop sales and more. But during the pandemic, lockdown and social distancing have meant many of these revenue streams have dried up.

And though the Government came forward to provide funding for hospices across the country, that money has now been used and any donations that have come in during this time, are not enough to keep Willowbrook out of the woods.

A fortnight ago, the Star urged readers to once again stand up for Willowbrook to help save it.

Three businesses across St Helens have done just that, with GPW Recruitment raising more than £800 by doing dress down days – even at home during lockdown working – and asking for a £1 donation.

The Sticky Wicket restaurant at Dentons Green has also joined the call, with visitors able to donate to the hospice in their venue. And The Griffin at Eccleston has chosen to make Willowbrook their chosen charity in the coming months.

Will Fairhurst, operations and data protection officer at GPW Recruitment, said: “The reason we, and other businesses, are doing their bit for Willowbrook is because it is a place that everyone knows and likely knows someone who has been cared for by them.

“If Willowbrook shut down because of coronavirus it would be a huge loss to this town; we all need to do what we can to help keep them going. I’m really proud of what we have been able to do.”

n To donate directly go to willowbrookhospice.enthuse.com/cf/covid-19-appeal