‘Together in Adversity’ campaign raises £1,000,000 for Dorothy House

On 6 January 2025, in the face of a critical financial shortfall, we launched our Together in Adversity campaign to protect the specialist end of life care we currently provide to our patients and their families across our 800 square mile patch. 

Rising costs, National Insurance and minimum wage hikes, alongside stagnant government funding at 20% of total costs, has all had a major impact on the financial sustainability of the Hospice.

Since the beginning of 2025, the Together in Adversity campaign has raised £1,000,000, which is an incredible testament to our community’s generosity and passion for hospice care.

“Last year, Dorothy House cared for more than 3,000 patients and 1,000 loved ones completely free of charge. We have done this in the face of enormous funding adversity because it is the right thing to do, but now, more than ever, we need help to ensure people can die a peaceful death.”
Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care

Rising costs

Over the past three years, the cost of running the Hospice has risen from £46,000/day to £52,000/day* (*based on 2022 to 2024 figures). With the number of people needing specialist end of life care predicted to rise by 25% by 2048, Dorothy House is in need of vital financial support.

We have longer-term plans to campaign for change to ensure hospices are able to secure fair, long-term funding solutions. However, at the beginning of the year, we were facing an immediate critical fundraising shortfall, which the recent government announcement of a one-off cash injection did not completely address.

Resolute in our approach, Dorothy House continues to support more and more patients like Emma through our core services; on the specialist Inpatient Unit in Winsley and through our Community Palliative Care Teams visiting people in their homes.

“Everyone dies at some point. But that doesn’t necessarily make it any less scary. It makes me think if this hadn’t been there, how much harder this journey to death would be. I couldn’t have done it. My family couldn’t have done it without Dorothy House.”
Emma Lynham

Long term investment in our care is key to ensuring that patients like Emma and her family receive the care they need during the toughest times of their lives.

How can you help protect our vital services?

• You can donate via the website.
• Support our upcoming fundraising events.
• Donate to and visit one of our 27 shops.
• Write to your local MP to secure a national settlement that meets the increasing demands of an ageing population.
• Make a free will and leave a gift to Dorothy House.

Since 6 January, we have been appealing to MPs, local influencers and anyone who may one day need our services, to stand with Dorothy House in the face of adversity, to help protect vital core services, now and into the future.