From Nigel Hartley, chief executive officer, Mountbatten, Newport:

I am writing in response to the letter from Stephen Holmes (CP, 21-06-19).

I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteers for us, including those at the IW Festival who helped raise over £20,000 towards the £8m we must find each and every year to continue providing and growing our wide-ranging end of life services in the face of rapidly increasing demand.

Every penny raised by you ensures the Islanders we care for are able to continue living as well as possible until they die, and ensures we are there afterwards for those they love throughout their bereavement. We are here for everyone, no matter what their illness or where they want to be cared for – at home (including care homes), in hospital or in our hospice.

We currently have more than 1,300 people on our books on any one day. Our bereavement support also extends to anyone who needs it, not just those who have had a connection with Mountbatten.

I want to be clear that our Mountbatten nurses, carers and other staff are directly funded by our Island community. While we have historically benefited from funding from Macmillan Cancer Support, in more recent years, we have not and do not receive any financial support from them. We cannot comment on any other services provided by Macmillan on the IW.

Thank you to everyone who supports Mountbatten; whether through our shops, volunteering, fundraising and donating in many different ways, including leaving a gift in your will. Everything you do helps to share our story to a wider audience.

Everyone is touched by death and dying – we will all die and we will all be bereaved.

Every person on the IW will need our support in some way in the future.

Each and every one of us has a part to play in ensuring Mountbatten can continue to be by your side through the last years of your life.