A HOSPICE which has suffered a devastating loss of income because of the Covid-19 pandemic has launched a campaign to help keep families connected over Christmas.

St Helena Hospice has suffered a difficult nine months, but is hoping its Christmas Together appeal will help to continue its services across north Essex.

Donations will help to support people like Hazel Forster.

Her husband of 46 years, George, collapsed with a suspected stroke on Christmas Day and died at home on New Year’s Eve.

Hazel added: “Christmas and New Year is going to be an awkward time.

“I know I’m not going to be alone or lonely but Christmas morning I’m dreading because that was our time together.

“George and I used to get up, we’d have a bit of breakfast and we’d open our presents.

“I know I’m not the only one in this boat and I try and tell myself it’s going to be OK. I know I can phone St Helena’s bereavement team when I am ready to.”

To support the campaign, donors can join the hospice paper chain by writing the name of a loved one they will be missing this Christmas, and sending it along with a donation to the hospice.

Other methods of support include taking on the hospice’s Penguin 5k, giving a virtual Gift for Good, shopping at St Helena online or signing up for the charity’s Christmas Tree-cycle scheme.

For more, visit sthelena.org.uk/christmas20.