A hospice says it is going to lose hundreds of thousands of pounds because of the coronavirus pandemic.

North London Hospice is forecasting it will lose more than £800,000 over the next three months after being forced to cancel or postpone all its spring events and temporarily close its 17 shops following the spread of Covid-19.

The charity, which cares for 2,500 people in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey, receives 40 per cent of its funding from the NHS, meaning it has to fundraise an additional £9 million to run the hospice each year.

North London Hospice Director of Fundraising Robin Langrishe said: “Our nurses are currently supporting over 800 people facing the end of their lives in the community right now. They are the most vulnerable in society and it’s crucial we continue to support them. We only get one chance to give someone a comfortable peaceful death so we’re asking the public now, more than ever, to support us in whatever way they can.

“These are unprecedented times and many don’t realise that hospice services are not part of the NHS but are funded by charitable giving. £125 funds a nurse for a day whilst £10 provides a heat pad for pain relief."

The hospice also warned it is low on supplies of Personal Protective Equipment and is unable to visit patients with confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19.

North London Hospice Chief Executive Pam McClinton believes that local services such as dentists, beauticians and schools may have stocks of surgical masks, goggles, aprons and gloves they could spare.

She said: "We are sure there are companies or healthcare providers such as dentists and beauticians who are perhaps temporarily closed but have stocks of masks, aprons or gloves. I urge them to please donate them to their local hospice so we can continue to safely visit and support the most vulnerable in our community.”

The hospice is urging people in the community to help maintain its end of life care services.

It has written to its 6,000 supporters asking for financial support during "the most challenging time in its history".

Mr Langrishe added that "any donation of any size will be gratefully received".

To make a donation visit www.northlondonhospice.org/donate or to donate supplies of PPE call 0208 343 6835.