GENEROUS fund-raisers are making sure Kemp Hospice is bucking the nationwide trend of centres struggling to make ends meet.

Amid national reports of hospices being forced to turn away the dying, it is in better health than all of its Worcestershire counterparts thanks to the people of Wyre Forest, according to campaign manager John Fletcher.

And the Kidderminster centre is one of only a handful in the region with ambitious expansion plans.

He said the NHS meets less than 25 per cent of the running costs - below the 28 per cent national average - as it currently has no in-patient beds.

But although charitable donations towards the annual £400,000 running costs are slightly down on last year, overall support is well up with more than £500,000 given towards the appeal to raise £2.2 million for new purpose-built premises.

Most of the UK's 152 voluntary hospices are operating at a deficit and Mr Fletcher hailed the support that was allowing Kemp to survive and thrive.

"I do think it's a tribute to the community's support. In Worcester St Richard's Hospice, which works in a very similar way to us, is having a particularly difficult time at the moment with funding," he said.

"And the hospice in Bromsgrove has just had a lottery application turned down."

Due to health topping the political agenda in the district - following widespread outrage over the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital two years ago - Mr Fletcher said the hospice could count on enthusiastic community support.

"Kemp is probably in a better position than some hospices because around the Kidderminster area there's been such a huge feeling of being let down by the local NHS," he said.

"People perceive the hospice as an independent organisation which is determined to improve patient care. They've got ownership of it in a sense."

Kemp Hospice helps about 1,000 people a year with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer - in their homes and at its day care centre.

Mr Fletcher stressed the appeal cannot divert too much attention and revenue from regular fund-raising, but added he was confident the new building would succeed and future running costs - which could double to £800,000 a year - could be met.