My Lady Captain’s chosen charity for next year is Thames Hospice, the hospice for our area.Thames Hospice is a local charity whose mission is to provide and support the best palliative and end-of-life care to our community, giving dignity and comfort to those facing life-limiting illnesses. Vitally they also provide support to their families and carers too. The vast majority of their income comes from charitable donations which have been hard hit while restrictions are in place. They need our support to provide quality of life, to the end of life, for everyone.

Thames Hospice moved into new premises a couple of weeks ago and one of the many areas of need is the garden, which is currently a sea of mud. It is so important for patients at the end of life to be able to sit or be wheeled out into the garden to spend some tranquil time. The money we raise will go towards planting up the garden, so a lasting legacy down the years. I hope you will join me in raising funds for Thames Hospice.