People are being encouraged to host a coffee morning next month to help raise vital funds for their local hospice.

The annual Hospice Coffee Morning, which is set to take place on September 24, has been launched by Together for Hospice, which is made up of representatives of hospice and specialist palliative homecare services nationwide.

The event is celebrating its 28th year, however this year, because of COVID-19, people are being encouraged to host socially distanced or virtual coffee mornings, in order to ensure the safety of those attending.

Around 29,000 people die every year in Ireland and one in five of these is supported by their local hospice.

Last year, over €2 million was raised by this annual event and since 1992, when it was first held, over €39 million has been raised, with all money going towards local hospices and specialist palliative homecare services nationwide.

This money has been used to fund frontline staff who provide specialist, high-quality care to patients and their families. It has also been used to buy much-needed equipment and to fund ongoing enhancements in various facilities.

"This year has been a challenging year for all of us, and as local organisations that rely so heavily on fundraising, our efforts continue to be severely affected by COVID-19.

"As with all frontline organisations, the pandemic poses a massive challenge to our services for vulnerable patients and their families. The money raised through Hospice Coffee Morning is crucial to ensuring that we continue to meet each individual patient's needs and to support their families and loved ones," explained Together for Hospice spokesperson, Fintan Fagan, who is also CEO of St Francis Hospice.

The event is supported by Bewley's and people can support it by hosting or attending a coffee morning on September 24, or a date that suits. If you cannot attend, but would like to donate, you can make a donation to your local hospice or text COFFEE to 50300 to donate €4, of which at least €3.60 will go towards the fundraiser.

People are reminded that no matter how they get involved, they should adhere to current public health guidelines, particularly in relation to social distancing. For more information on the event, click here, or call 1890 998 995.

*Pictured is broadcaster and Hospice Coffee Morning ambassador, Sharon Ní Bheoláin.