A St Mary’s Hospice is now able to reach more patients in rural communities thanks to a generous donation from local Soroptimists.

The Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists have funded a brand-new community car for St Mary’s Hospice, enabling its teams to deliver care and support to patients and families in their own homes across the Furness and South Lakes areas.

The generous gift that funded the purchase of the vehicle came from a legacy from the late Soroptimist member Carol Edwards to support the group’s charitable objectives of promoting education, improving health, and relieving poverty.

Long-standing supporters of St Mary’s Hospice, members of the Grange Soroptimists visited the hospice’s Ulverston base to hand over the vehicle officially.

Those attending included Sue Fleetwood, Noreen Haselden, Ruth Cayton, Lynne Coles, Sonia Boyle, Gill Bitcon and Penny Ward.

Penny Ward said: “The Soroptimists have been proud supporters of St Mary’s Hospice for many years, and we recognise the essential role it plays within our community.

“Its services are invaluable, and we’re delighted to help the hospice reach even more people who need its care and support.”

The idea to fund the community car was inspired by Soroptimist member Ruth Cayton, who had seen the positive difference similar vehicles had made for other charities in the area.

Ruth said: “St Mary’s Hospice is a vital organisation that has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of local communities.

“While its in-patient unit remains an essential part of the hospice, its community services have grown significantly.

“In rural areas, many people face transport barriers that can leave them isolated and unable to access the care and support they need.

“This community car will help bring that care directly to people’s doorsteps, ensuring more patients and families receive the support they deserve.

“We’re delighted to help St Mary’s reach even more people in need.”

Alison Alger, Philanthropic Giving Manager at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists for their generous gift and for their long-standing support.

“This community car will make a tangible difference, enabling our teams to travel further and reach more patients and families across our rural communities.

“Donations like this help ensure that no one misses out on compassionate hospice care because of where they live, and we are especially honoured that this gift has been made in memory of Carol.”

St Mary’s Hospice is only partially funded by the NHS with it needing to fundraise the remaining funds to cover its running costs.

For more information on the services St Mary’s provides or how to help with fundraising or to make a donation head to their website here.