A HEXHAM-BASED charity supporting people with life limiting illnesses could be forced to close due to lack of funding.

Lifespan Complementary offers free services such as counselling, bereavement support, art workshops, massage therapy, nutritional advice, befriending and sitting services for people living with serious and terminal illness, which are extended to their families, friends and carers.

The charity also works alongside GPs, consultants, hospital teams, Macmillan and other nursing teams, offering these alternative therapy to patients under the care of the NHS.

Operations manager Sheila Webb said the charity had struggled to fund its services since it lost its lottery grant two years ago, and more recently a partnership with an NHS hospice.

“Running Lifespan costs of a total of around £150,000 a year, £80,000 of which we lost due when we were rejected for another lottery grant, and when one of the larger hospices pulled their contract with us due to their own issues with funding. Both of these have come as a real blow to us.

“Lifespan is a unique charity we are unique in what we offer, but its also a service which we’ve seen in our 14 years of running is essential. It can help make life that little bit more bearable for people who are suffering.

“Whilst there is plenty of medical and clinical help for people living with illnesses, there is much less resources available for emotional support and well-being, such as what Lifespan offers.”

Sheila said that the charity had exhausted every option, and had no choice but to ask the community for support.

“We’re looking for people to get involved with helping us fund-raise, or contribute themselves with a donation, no matter the amount, it will all go to help us keep going.”

Visit www.lifespan-charity.com to make a donation.