AN HOSPICE is celebrating after receiving thousands of pounds to help them purchase specialist recliner chairs.

Staff, patients and their families at St Mary’s Hospice received a donation of £7,516 from the Morrisons Foundation.

The hospice, which provides care to people with life-limiting conditions and their families from all across South Cumbria, will use the funds to purchase specialist recliner chairs to help comfort patients whilst they receive pressure relief treatments.

Cathy Smithson, a Healthcare Assistant whose husband received care at the hospice, said: "So many patients who come onto our In-Patient Unit (IPU) have been unable to sit out of bed for some time due to pain and lack of support from an ordinary chair, nobody wants to spend the whole day in bed.

"The specialist recliner chairs funded by Morrisons are designed to be fully supportive and can be adapted for individual patient needs.

"When my husband was admitted to IPU five years ago he would recline in his chair holding court with all his visitors, and when he was in bed sleeping, I was able to snooze next to him in the chair, spending precious time together."

Morrisons Foundation Trustee David Scott said: “The comfort of patients is of paramount importance, and I’m delighted that the Morrisons Foundation has been able to provide this support to such a well-regarded and worthy charity in our community.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives.

Morrisons colleagues act as ambassadors for the Foundation. They help raise local awareness, encourage charities to apply for funding, and organise presentations.

Since its launch, over £40 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland, and Wales. Local charities are encouraged to visit https://www.morrisonsfoundation.com/ to find out more.