Supporting our colleagues and charities during COVID-19

We recently announced the launch of our community fund to support our colleagues who are involved in community-based organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Over the next few weeks we’d like to highlight some of these charities and the amazing work they do to help and support people and communities. 

Marie Curie Solihull Hospice 

One of the groups we’re proud to support is Marie Curie Solilhull Hospice. Two of our colleagues Emma Penhaligon and Anyta Dooley made the application on behalf of Marie Curie after receiving support from them in the past.

They’re a local charity which helps to support people during their end of life care across the West Midlands This could be assistance for the individual, but also for their friends and family. Marie Curie want people to get the most from the time they have left, however hard that may be at times. 

The support they provide can come in many forms such as counselling and volunteering along with nursing and hospice care. They help people with cancer, dementia, motor neurone disease, heart failure and Parkinson's disease. Whatever the illness they’ll be there for you and your family at your time of need to help you cope after a terminal diagnosis. 

COVID-19 

The current COVID-19 pandemic puts Marie Curie in a difficult position with reduced funding but more people than ever to help. Their vital help and support has become more important than ever before, ensuring that local people are cared for while also protecting their staff with the appropriate PPE equipment.

Emma and Antya added: 

 “We are both really pleased to able to give support to this amazing charity through a donation from ESO. Marie Curie supported both us and our wider families in a time of great need. Whilst the current situation isn’t ideal, and it is heart-breaking to think that people need this support, knowing that ESO funds are helping to ensure continuity is of great comfort to us” 

We were pleased to donate. The money will be used to fund enough PPE for the local Marie Curie nursing service to each make 40 visits (per nurse) to patients with a terminal illness (some of whom may have suspected COVID-19) in their own home. 

We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to help Marie Curie in the West Midlands.

We’ll continue to highlight these amazing charities and the fantastic work they’re doing in their local communities.

Find out more about how we’re keeping the lights on during the coronavirus pandemic.