St Francis Hospice supporters are taking part in a national campaign to raise the profile of hospice care next week.

Hospices across the UK are gathering messages from patients, families, supporters and volunteers who have posted pictures of themselves online holding up their word or message and saying “I am hospice care”.

It is to highlight how hospices reach out to and support the many communities in their areas.

You can see some of the messages from St Francis staff and supporters to mark Hospice Care Week from October 8 to 14 at www.sfh.org.uk and www.besurprised.org.

Pam Court, CEO of St Francis Hospice, said: “Hospice care is not about buildings. It is about people and communities – from the people who support and work in partnership with their local hospices, to the patients, friends and families who rely on them. Together, we are all hospice care.”

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell said: “I admire the work that St Francis Hospice does in caring for those in the local community. In my 21 years as a councillor and MP for Havering-atte-Bower I have and always will support the work of the hospice in every way I can.”