A charity which provides end of life care is predicting a huge increase in demand for its services by patients and families across Dorset.

Weldmar Hospicecare gives support and care to terminally ill people and their families during the last year of their lives. This care is provided to patients for free in their own homes, through wellbeing services or as inpatients at the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.

However, with only a fifth of the charity's funding coming from the NHS, Weldmar says it still needs to raise around £18,000 a day to keep providing these services.

Last year, Weldmar supported and care for 2,833 patients and families. This year it expects to help an additional 128 people, equating to extra costs of just over £250,000.

Caroline Sweetland, director of nursing at Weldmar says: "Each and every year, we are hearing from more patients who need our care and support.

"On average, there is an increased demand of 4.5 per cent more people who are facing one of life’s most difficult times and are asking for our help. We are determined that we will always be here for them throughout the final part of their lives and to be there for their loved ones too."

This year in west Dorset, including Dorchester, Bridport and Lyme Regis, the charity is expecting to help 1,448 people. This equates to an extra nine patients staying at the inpatient unit, 28 more patients cared for at home, seven patients attending day services and 17 more family members accessing support services. The combined extra costs are expected to be £120,577

In south Dorset, including Weymouth and Portland, extra costs could reach £75,928 and in north Dorset it is predicted that an extra £58,367 will be spent.

The charity has now launched an urgent fundraising appeal to ensure it can keep offering end of life services to people in need.

Barbara, whose husband Keith was poorly for just nineteen days said: "My granddaughter was celebrating her 14th birthday and the nurses organised a party for her in the hospice Orangery.

"Sadly, Keith was too ill to get out of bed, but I brought him jelly and cake so he could be part of the party. He went into a deep sleep and passed away soon after. It was a great comfort to know that we were all together and my granddaughters were able to share a lovely goodbye with him. The care we have all received is amazing."

Donations to the appeal can be made at www.weld-hospice.org.uk, where people can see exactly what their donation will pay for.