Rallying cry to Hospice supporters

The chief executive of one of the highest profile charities in the Island is admitting donations from individuals and organisations could be affected by the huge VAT shortfall faced by the Manx government.

Margaret Simpson of Hospice Isle of Man says if people's incomes are reduced, donations could suffer.

She is urging everybody to continue providing the support which is needed to maintain the Hospice budget of around £3.5 million, 75 per cent of which comes from fund raising and legacies.

Hospice also relies on an annual grant of £600,000 and other support from the DHSS, which was written into a five year service level agreement, signed three months ago: