Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that he is donating 15% of his MP salary this month to Wigan and Leigh Hospice following a weekend visit to meet patients and staff.
Burnham praised the hospice for the support it provides to people and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Writing after his visit, Burnham said:
“Wigan and Leigh Hospice does incredible work supporting local people and their families at some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
He said it had been “lovely to visit this weekend and spend time with patients and staff there”, before announcing his personal contribution to the charity.
“I’m proud to be donating 15% of my MP salary this month to support their work.”
Wigan and Leigh Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, alongside support for their families and those closest to them.
Like hospices across the country, its work is supported by charitable fundraising alongside statutory funding, making donations and community support an important part of maintaining services.
Burnham’s visit comes just over a month after he entered Downing Street and forms part of a series of visits focused on communities and frontline services.
His donation will provide a personal contribution towards the hospice’s work supporting patients and families across Wigan and Leigh.
The Prime Minister used his visit to thank staff for the care they provide and to highlight the important role hospices play within local communities.
