EVERY day, without fail, they support patients grappling with the physical symptoms of a life-limiting illness.

But without continued financial backing from the community, the efforts of Prospect Hospice nurses to accompany their patients on their journey could be brought to an abrupt halt.

As part of its 160 Appeal, the Adver is backing the Wroughton charity’s Sponsor a Nurse campaign, which encourages residents to donate a small amount each month and fund home visits, in-patient care at the hospice and night shifts.

Prospect Hospice nurse, Carol Ratcliffe, is keenly aware of the crucial role of sponsors and donors in funding the care she provides day after day.

She said: “I have been a nurse for more than 30 years, but working at Prospect Hospice has been the most satisfying time of my career.

“It has allowed me to bring together all my experience and skills to make a real difference to patients at the end of life.

“We are a friendly and supportive team, working together to create the best possible experience for patients and families at a sad time.

“Like many, I feel it is a privilege to be there at the end of someone’s life. I always feel I’ve made a difference, whether for the patient or for their families.

“Please consider sponsoring a Prospect Hospice nurse today.

“Your contribution will make a huge difference to everyone we care for by helping us bring the best possible care to patients in their final days and hours.”

A sponsorship of £3 a month over a year would pay for one nurse to make a home visit.

£4.50 would provide one afternoon of dedicated care for one patient on the in-patient unit.

£11 would cover one weekday of nursing care and £16 one night shift of nursing care.

£40 would ensure round-the-clock dedicated nursing care for one patient for 24 hours at the hospice.

Appeal manager Neil Harman added: “Our Sponsor a Nurse appeal is a great way for people from across the community served by Prospect Hospice to show their support for the people who are most associated with the care we provide – our nurses.

“Nurses are at the forefront of the care that we give to hundreds of patients each year, and regular contributions towards their work mean that we can plan ahead for the care that we will provide in future, and deliver more of our services throughout the year.”

l To make a donation visit www.prospect-hospice.net