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Daily renews longest-running local press appeal after income drop for charities

A regional daily has urged readers to renew their backing for the UK’s longest-running local newspaper appeal after its beneficiaries experienced a “deeply concerning” drop in income.

The Yorkshire Evening Post is calling for supporters to donate to its Half and Half Appeal, which has raised more than £3m since 1982.

The appeal has been used to help Wheatfields and St Gemma’s hospices, in Leeds, but the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are now being felt by both charities.

The YEP splashed on its renewed appeal on Tuesday, pictured below.

YEP hospices

Editor Laura Collins wrote in an accompanying opinion piece: “For the last 30 years they have inspired the Yorkshire Evening Post’s long-standing Half and Half Appeal – the longest-running local newspaper campaign in the country – to raise money to support their work.

“Collectively, we’ve raised over £3m for Wheatfields and St Gemma’s hospices but the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt for both services, as their usual fundraising streams were cut off overnight.

“And they have had to change the way in which they delivered care at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“The dedicated teams have been overwhelmed by the support of the city and, as restrictions continue to be eased, they are now looking for your support like never before to boost them following a ‘deeply concerning’ drop in income.

“These incredible services would not exist without our city’s support so let’s show them we’re all heart.”