CHESTER FC have pledged their support for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s Dedicate A Daisy appeal, giving local people the opportunity to remember a loved one.

Following their former chairman Dave Harrington-Wright launching the Dedicate A Daisy Appeal for the Hospice, the club was keen to show its support.

The Backford-based Hospice has commissioned a limited amount of beautifully handcrafted and unique iron daisies that can be dedicated in memory of someone special or to show support for the wonderful work the Hospice provides.

Justin Caroe, community and events fundraising manager, said: “Chester FC have been great supporters of the Hospice over many years and since we launched our save your Hospice appeal they have really stepped up their fundraising efforts.

"We are delighted that Chester FC will be supporting our Dedicate A Daisy appeal and we would like to say a huge thank you to them for their support.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for West Cheshire to remember the life of someone special to them by having a daisy displayed at Chester Cathedral.

"Anyone can dedicate a flower, you don’t have to have experienced our care first hand here at the Hospice to purchase a flower.

"Memories stay with us for life and we hope our Dedicate A Daisy Appeal will help Chester remember and celebrate the lives of someone special to them.”

Paul Bodman, Commercial Director at Chester FC, said: “The club have been working hard in any way we can to support the Hospice during these difficult financial times.

"As a community owned club, we understand how difficult the past few months have been and the challenges the Hospice will face for the future.

"We are delighted to be supporting the Dedicate a Daisy Appeal and we would encourage any of our supporters to purchase one of these wonderful flowers if they are able to.”

The Hospice is currently facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to the shocking impact of the Coronavirus and could run out of money in a matter of months.

The Hospice, which is not part of the NHS, receives only 25 per cent of its income from government funding meaning it has to raise just over £3 million each year from donations, fundraising events and charity shops which are now all on hold.

It is anticipated there will be at least a £1.1 million shortfall in fundraising for this year.

For over 30 years, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd has provided end of life care to patients living with life limiting conditions from Chester, West Cheshire and Ellesmere Port.

They provide a 10 bedded in-patient unit, a Living Well Centre which provides day support to help patients maintain their independence and to stay at home longer as well as bereavement support for both adults and children across the catchment area whether or not the death of their loved one was connected to the Hospice.