In a world that is constantly evolving and striving for better, we continue to confront a challenging question; who looks after our loved ones when they're nearing the end of their journey? My mother passed away at St. Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham, a place that offered her peace, comfort, and dignity during her final days. It is a sanctuary for those navigating the complex and terrifying journey that is terminal illness, a beacon of hope for the families grappling with mounting grief.

However, St. Cuthbert's Hospice, along with numerous other charitable hospices across the country, is under severe financial strain. It pains me to see the place that brought so much peace to my mother in her final days be so precariously hanging by a thread. It's a struggle that many other families and hospices are also facing.

Data from the Hospice UK 2019 report reveals that 82% of hospices in the UK are partially reliant on volunteer funding. This reliance puts these indispensable institutions at risk, particularly in these trying times where fund-generating events and opportunities are scarce. Underfunded hospices mean compromised care for those who most need support – the terminally ill and their families.

Let's remember that everyone deserves high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. We owe it to our loved ones to ensure they depart this world with dignity, comfort, and peace. Let's urge our government officials to extend the necessary funding to these charitable hospices. By signing this petition, you commit to helping secure the future of hospices across the country. A future where everyone facing a terminal illness, including their families, has access to compassionate care. We can help make a life-ending journey dignified and humane. Please, take a moment to sign this petition today. Together, we can make a difference.