News Beat
St Leonard’s Hospice speaks about rising demand for services
St Leonard’s Hospice, based in York, marked 40 years since it opened this year.
But demand for its services has “never been higher”, a hospice spokesperson has said.
Two thirds of those admitted to St Leonard’s In-Patient Unit needed expert care, with the Hospice@Home team providing an additional 5,000 hours of care, enabling people to remain at home while they passed away if they wished.
Anne-Marie Roberts, director of clinical services at St Leonards, said: “Our ambition is that everyone with a life-limiting illness in our community can get the care and support they need, from the day they’re diagnosed, and that they’re supported to die well.
“We couldn’t care for so many local patients, families and carers without all those who support St Leonard’s Hospice.
“We’re forever grateful to our community, from those who founded the Hospice 40 years ago to those who do so much to donate, fundraise and volunteer today.
“We look forward to being here for many more years to come thanks to them.”
As The Press reported, a brand-new 16,000 square foot charity superstore is set to be built at the Clifton Moor Retail Park in June 2026.
The flagship store will feature a furniture shop, value store and drive-up donation centre.
It comes after the hospice announced its commitment to raise £1 million a year from its shops, along with new jobs and volunteer positions.
Coupled with this, are the new specialist support groups the hospice provides for those living with motor neurone disease, heart failure, and life-limiting lung conditions, and a six-week Living with Grief programme providing bereavement support to anyone in the community.
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But this care, the hospice said, comes with “significant” prices, with only a quarter funded by the government.
A spokesperson said: “The rest is raised locally through donations, fundraising, and 14 charity shops across York, North and East Yorkshire.
“Successful fundraising events this year, including the Ruby Anniversary Ball, Wolds Walk, and Moonlight Walk, have all contributed vital funds.”
The hospice has also praised its 450 volunteers who remain “central” to its work – something that qualified it in the city-wide Volunteering Quality Mark in 2025.
Anyone in need of the Hospice’s support can find full details on its website.
Those wishing to support St Leonard’s through volunteering, fundraising, or donations can find out how at www.stleonardshospice.org.uk.
