A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the heroic work of the local hospice through the challenging months of the pandemic.

Called Farleigh Hospice Heroes, the campaign aims to highlight hospice workers who have touched the lives of people in the area - and of their loved ones - and raise funds for the charity as restrictions lift.

A Farleigh Hospice spokesperson said: "It's been a year since our lives changed forever. The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically affected how community services like hospice care can be delivered."

Farleigh's heroic team adapted quickly to ensure it could continue to deliver vital services to residents across mid Essex.

From April to December 2020, on average the hospice team made 1,000 home visits every month. The charity has found its referral rates have increased by more than 18 per cent at a time when the challenges of Covid-safety have brought about the need to do things differently.

From April to December 2020 Farleigh Hospice teams:

-on average undertook 1,000 home visits every month

-cared for 1,367 patients in just eight months.

The new campaign asks people to nominate their Farleigh Hospice Hero along with a donation. An appeal mailer hit the doorsteps of local homes on 17 March and asks people to consider donating to the campaign if one of the Farleigh team has made a difference to someone they love.

It asks supporters to send a message of thanks to their Farleigh Hospice Hero along with their donation on the nomination card provided or via the website using the link here.

The thank you cards will be displayed at the sites in Maldon and Chelmsford as a special tribute to all of the Farleigh Hospice Heroes' hard work during the pandemic. Everyone who donates will receive a Farleigh Hospice Heroes magnet to remember their nominee's heroic efforts during the past year.

Over the coming weeks Farleigh Hospice will be sharing video clips of interviews with its care teams on social media to support this campaign.

The charity will also be highlighting its recruitment drive for nurses and healthcare assistants in preparation for the re-opening of its inpatient unit in summer 2021. You can see the clips on @FarleighHospice for FB and Twitter and @farleighhospice for Instagram.