Palliative care fund closes in Umina

Central Coast Cancer and Palliative Care Fund is closing down its Umina operation due to a decline in membership.

Spokesperson Rhonda Woodhouse said: "It saddens me to do this, but with fewer people, fundraising endeavours are becoming more difficult for those that are involved.

"We have had much help through the years from the public and various sporting clubs and firms.

"Be assured that all remaining money raised by our efforts, or donated, will be disbursed to assist those residents of the Central Coast whose lives are affected by cancer and/or are in need of palliative care," Ms Woodhouse said.

In the past, the Central Coast Cancer and Palliative Care Fund has purchased equipment such as pressure relieving mattresses, tilt chairs, and recliner shower chairs for Woy Woy and Gosford hospitals and Woy Woy community aged care.

The fund donated $160,000 towards Hospice Palliative Care Foundation Cottage at Woy Woy which was officially opened on May 14, 1998.

Other organisations also received financial assistance.

More recently, during the Cancer Care Appeal, the fund raised $14,150 by organising activities specifically for the appeal.

During the latter part of 2000, they purchased items requested by the medical staff for use by patients in the oncology wards of Gosford and Woy Woy hospitals and for palliative care.

Letters, April 11