Southern Vectis has turbo-charged its support for Mountbatten Isle of Wight by gifting our charity £23,000.

Earlier this year, the local bus operator named Mountbatten as its official good cause for 2024 and 2025.

It is spending two years fundraising to help provide 24/7 care and support for thousands of Islanders, in their homes, in the hospice building in Newport and in St Mary’s Hospital.

“This is a crucial local resource, supporting people with death and dying and offering relatives and friends free bereavement support,” said Southern Vectis general manager, Richard Tyldsley.

Richard added: “Our corporate charity is voted for by the Southern Vectis team. Many of my colleagues have benefited directly from the support Mountbatten provides, so we have decided to boost our support with this lump sum — which is in addition to our fundraising efforts, this year and next. 

“We hope this latest donation will help Mountbatten in its vital work to support people across the Isle of Wight, from all walks of life.”

The donation will be used to fund a number of important aspects of Mountbatten’s work: It will pay for extensive refurbishment within the inpatient unit, along with two vital signs monitors, for the John Cheverton Centre's clinic rooms — replacing older machines which can no longer be used. The remainder of the money will buy a macerator, which will help safely and hygienically dispose of waste. Mountbatten will also purchase two new iPads for clinical areas, to aid the management of medical devices — ensuring servicing and testing is up-to-date.

As Southern Vectis’ corporate charity for 2024 and 2025, Mountbatten is also featured on a bus back and on-board messaging, to help raise awareness of its work.

• Read more: Southern Vectis Official Good Cause Charity

Nigel Hartley, MBE, Mountbatten CEO, said: “Thank you, Southern Vectis. This incredible donation will help pay for equipment on our inpatient unit in Newport. “Mountbatten Isle of Wight provides expert end-of-life and palliative care to Islanders, both in their own homes and in our hospice.

“Our charity also supports friends and family members and offers bereavement support to anyone who needs it.

“We are one-third funded by the NHS. While that allowance has not risen in line with inflation, our costs have been growing. It means we are increasingly reliant on community funding, which makes up more than two thirds of the money we need if we are to continue to provide our vital services.

“Being chosen as Southern Vectis’ corporate charity for two years has already proved hugely valuable, raising awareness of our work and ensuring that the growing number of Islanders who need us know we are there for them.

“This amazing donation is a huge added bonus, helping ensure the smooth operation of our 16-bed inpatient unit, which cares for and supports hundreds of Islanders every year and which complements our 24/7 community outreach services, reach over 2,300 Islanders in any one day.”