Nearly £4,000 has been handed over to support two “exceptional” hospices. 

A Freemasons’ charity has handed over the cash to Carlisle’s Eden Valley Hospice and the children’s hospice Jigsaw, which is on the same site. 

The charity says it is essential to support hospices, with such help being central to making sure the services stay to help communities. 

The handover by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity was part of £600,000 given to support hundreds of adult and children’s hospices across the country. Nearly £6,000 was given out in Cumbria. 

Eden Valley Hospice received £2,257 while the children’s hospice received £1,514. They are both based off Carlisle’s Durdar Road. 

Peter Clarke, from the Freemasons’ province of Cumberland and Westmorland, said: “We believe it is essential to support the exceptional care provided by our local hospices. 

“Financial help is fundamental to ensuring these services can continue. 

“The hospices’ incredible contribution to the community is valued highly and that is why we are so happy to donate this amount.” 

The money will aim to allow the hospices to continue to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities. 

Eden Valley Hospice provides services including a 12-bed adult in-patient unit, an adult day hospice, out-patient clinics, complementary therapies and carers’ support. 

Jigsaw offers help including day care, overnight stays and family and sibling support. 

All services are provided by highly-qualified staff and a team of volunteers. 

The hospice says it recognises it is only through the generosity of people that it is able to continue to provide the highest standard of care, free of charge. 

For further information on hospice services visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org