Harrogate's Saint Michael's Hospice says new Government funding package for charities is 'exactly what it needs'

Harrogate health heroes and key workers - you sent us photos of friends and family on the frontline and now we salute them

Mr Sunak announced the plans yesterday, Wednesday, which involves £360 million direct from Government departments and £370 million for smaller charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund.

The hospice's cheif executive, Tony Collins, said: “Our priority is to be a meaningful part of the healthcare response to this crisis, and therefore, our primary focus remains on supporting our community and NHS colleagues in as many ways as we can.

“We welcome this investment in the hospice movement. It is exactly what we need to be able to continue to care for people affected by terminal illness and bereavement and support our community with their emotional wellbeing.

“This includes keeping as many of our traditional services running as possible so we can help release pressure from the NHS.

#healthheroes - celebrating the vital key workers leading the nation's fight against coronavirus

“We do this in the context of a significant drop in some income streams with the closure of our shops and the postponement of many other fundraising events and activities, which makes this support from the Government all the more welcome and very gratefully received.”

The Chancellor also announced the Government will match fund whatever the public decides to donate to the BBC’s Big Night In charity appeal on April 23, starting with a contribution of at least £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust appeal.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock said: "The entire charity sector has stepped up as part of our national effort to tackle coronavirus – from helping our NHS heroes to ensuring the most vulnerable among us are cared for properly.

"Hospices have suffered a huge challenge to their funding due to the outbreak of coronavirus but at the same time continued to play a vital role in delivering compassionate, quality end-of-life care for many people. I am delighted that this cash boost will provide further financial stability and support them to increase capacity of NHS Services and provide stability as we manage our response to coronavirus.

'Do you know where your kids are?' - Fury as Harrogate police break up large groups flouting advice at Valley Gardens, the Pinewoods and Harlow Carr

"It’s vitally important we all continue to support our fantastic and hardworking hospices and their staff during this unprecedented time, and the whole country is grateful for the incredible work they do."