Edwina Currie supports plans to shut Marie Curie
Former Conservative MP and Marie Curie fundraiser Edwina Currie has said she supports the decision the cancer charity has taken to close its hospice.
The Mirror reported last week the charity was publicly saying it was "restructuring" but no final decision had been made about the future of its Harestone Drive, Caterham hospice and linked services, despite staff saying they had been told they were being made redundant.
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FUNDRAISER: Former Tory MP Edwina Currie cycled around the Balkans to raise money for Marie Curie.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Mrs Currie, 62, said: "There is a brutal reality behind charity work. If the money is not there, the service cannot be provided.
"I feel for the staff. I think it is very insensitive to do this before Christmas. It's a tough decision to close the hospice but I think its overdue."
She said for the same money used to fund the hospice, far more people could be helped in their own homes, which was what the majority of people wanted.
She said: "This time next year, people will feel the benefit, but it will be a painful transition".
Do you know anyone who has received care at Marie Curie in Caterham? If so we want to hear from you. Please comment below or email editor@surreymirror.co.uk
2 Comments
by Steve Martin, Godstone
Tuesday, January 13 2009, 3:33PM
“Marie Curie's plans to close down their operation in Caterham is going to be devastating to the community. We could understand if it was a financial decision as the old building is obviously expensive to run but they are ending ALL the services run from Harestone too and have made the nurses redundant. A demonstration has been planned for Saturday 17th January 2009 at the hospice in Harestone Valley Drive. Please come and voice your opinion, we need your support.”
by bethan, redhill
Wednesday, December 10 2008, 7:25PM
“this is a joke they say that 64% of people wud rather die at home but what about the other 36% of people who it is not possible for!! does anyone think of them no!!!!”