IT IS great news that the Martlets hospice ended the year on such a financial high thanks to some huge bequests in wills and legacies.

However it is important to remember that income from wills can be very unpredictable and it is vital the support and fundraising provided by the community continues as normal.

Despite popular perception, the hospice is not part of the NHS and only receives a fraction of funding from central government.

This means it relies on the support of the community and an army of volunteers to keep its vital services going every year.

Every financial year the hospice needs to take a leap of faith as it works to keep its finances balanced and tries to predict how much income it will generate in a year.

It is difficult to rely on bequests, which is why the hospice also focuses on other fundraising schemes, including its shops, weekly lottery and major events like the Midnight Walk.

The hospice is a vital part of the community and it needs the support of the community to raise the £9,000 a day it needs. It is hoped people will continue to remember it in their wills but in the meantime, the fundraising must continue in earnest.