A PETITION launched in support of a charity under threat of closure has passed the 10,000- signature mark.

The Sussex Beacon revealed last year that changes to the way it is funded through the NHS had left it with a shortfall it could not afford to maintain.

The Brighton charity, which costs more than £2 million a year to run, needs to have guaranteed funds of between £300,000 and £400,000 to survive.

If it doesn’t, its services, which include a ten-bed inpatient unit, will close in June.

The news of the charity’s possible closure was met with dismay and supporters have been rallying round to help.

The Sussex Beacon provides care and help to people with HIV or Aids and is the only hospice of its kind outside London.

The petition is targeted at Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and the charity is now working with MPs to ensure it makes an impact in Parliament.

The aim is to raise awareness of the charity’s position and highlight the level of public support.

Sussex Beacon chief executive Simon Dowe said: “Since we announced these funding cuts are threatening our services, we’ve had an outpouring of support, which we’re incredibly grateful for.

“We’re delighted to hit 10,000 signatures on the petition as we feel it demonstrates to commissioners and the Department of Health how valued we are.

“If we are forced to close services, not only will it have an impact on some of the most vulnerable people with HIV locally, it will also put significant additional pressure on both health and social care services in Sussex as they try to fill the gap.

“We’re doing all we can to avoid this, while also supporting our service users and staff at this difficult time.”

The charity is exploring a variety of options to try to secure funding, including approaching non NHS funding and grant giving bodies.

The petition can be found at 38degrees.org.uk.