Staff at Hope House, outside Oswestry, say support from players of a weekly lottery is helping stay afloat, as hospices across the country report difficulties because of COVID-19.

Last weekend, hospices such as Marie Curie and Sue Ryder have moved to state that they face funding holes of up to £30 million, for some of the larger organisations, as fundraising events are cancelled and charity shops are closed.

Vanessa Thomas, head of communications at the Morda-based hospice, says Hope House does not want to alarm parents of the children they care for, but admitted they could lose up to £1 million across their Shropshire and North Wales sites.

But she thanked people for their donations, as well as playing the weekly lottery which is bringing in around £35,000 a week on top of minimal government funding, as the hospice stays open to support terminally-ill children.

“In these uncertain times, Hope House and Ty Gobaith need to stay open to provide end-of-life care and crisis care to local terminally ill children and families," she said.

“We are working to support the NHS and free up hospital beds and resources, helping to avoid children with life limiting conditions from being admitted to hospital, and supporting children who have been discharged early from hospital for specialist care.

“Telephone support and advice is available to families whose child is isolating at home, and to anyone who has been receiving counselling. Our social workers continue to help with crisis situations.

“Just 14 per cent of our running costs are funded by the government, with the remainder donated to us via legacies, trusts, fundraising and through our shops and Lottery.

“We have had to close all of our charity shops temporarily and cancel all fundraising events for the immediate future.

"This has had a severe impact on our income. We estimate that we are set to lose more than £1million in fundraising, and maybe much more if this situation continues.

“Thankfully, we have amazing supporters who have set up regular donations, or who play our £1-a-week Lottery. Our Lottery brings in an income of £35,000 a week which is an absolute lifeline in these uncertain times.

“We understand that this is a hugely difficult time for many people and businesses, but if anyone is in a position to support us by taking a £1 weekly line in our Lottery or setting up a small regular donation that will mean we can be here for the children today, tomorrow and into the future."

Anyone wishing to pledge their support to keep fundraising streams open at Hope House, or to play the Lottery, can head to www.hopehouse.org.uk