We have received a generous donation of £20,000 from a closing cancer charity

Dr Jackson’s Cancer Fund have donated £20,000 to our Hospice.
 
The Pontefract-based cancer charity had to cease its work in April after nearly fifty years. It was established in 1977 to fund equipment for cancer patients in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Wakefield.
 
The Chairman of Dr Jackson’s Cancer Fund, William Mulroe BEM, known as Bill, said of the closure: “It’s heartbreaking for me and everyone else involved.
 
“But we’re very proud of everything the charity achieved. We were able to buy £1.9 million of medical equipment for cancer treatments for those living in our community. We also purchased the first CT scanner in West Yorkshire. For a small charity like ours, those are huge achievements.
 
“And we’re delighted that the charity’s final act is to donate funds to some brilliant causes.”
 
Dr Jackson’s charity has donated most of its remaining funds to the Pinderfields-based My Hospitals Charity, ringfencing the money for cancer treatment. However, they also wanted to donate to the Hospice, making it the charity's first ever donation that isn’t directly for cancer treatment.
 
Bill, 81, explained the decision, saying: “I know how much amazing work the Hospice does, and also how much money is needed for hospice care. I’ve known friends and colleagues who have used the Hospice as patients and were treated brilliantly, so I’ve always had a soft spot for it.”
 
Steph Gillis, our Director of Clinical Services, said: “It’s very sad for Bill and everyone at Dr Jackson’s Cancer Fund that their wonderful charity needed to close. They can be proud of their work, knowing it has made a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the community.
 
“We are very touched and grateful that they thought of us when distributing their remaining funds. Their donation makes a huge difference to us. We need to raise over 70% of the funds to keep the Hospice operating, with less than 30% given to us by the NHS, so donations such as this one are vital for our existence.
 
“The Prince of Wales Hospice, on behalf of the entire community, extends a heartfelt thank you to Bill and Dr Jackson’s charity. We’re extremely grateful for this tremendous gift.”