A storm-hit Havering hospice has been forced to close six of its 18 inpatient beds after discovering damage caused to its roof was worse than originally thought.

High winds and heavy rain have wreaked havoc on the Havering-atte-Bower village based building and it is believed the cost of repairs will be more than £30,000.

An emergency appeal was launched last week.

Rainwater has been “literally pouring in”, according to the hospice’s chief executive, Pam Court.

She said: “This isn’t the only part of our building which has suffered damage and we won’t know the full extent until the end of March when a full building condition survey is done.

“We are confident that we are getting the best insurance advice. A loss adjuster will be visiting the hospice and be able to tell us what is covered by our insurance but whatever the outcome, we will still need to carry out this work. She added: “Our priority is always our patients and many of them cannot afford to wait even a few days.”

The building, in the conservation village, includes a main hall built in 1858. The rest of the buildings date back to 1984.

Currently, the hospice needs to raise almost £18,000 a day to fund its services for the 1,500 people who rely on it both at the hospice and in the community.

Pam said: “This year is our 30th anniversary and we hope you will support us to make sure Saint Francis Hospice is sound for the next 30 years and beyond.

“Please help today and make a donation to our building fund and if you are able to make a regular gift, even £3 a month, it will make a huge difference.”

To donate go to: sfh.org.uk