A global biopharmaceutical company based in Slough has donated £5,000 to help Windsor's hospice weather the storm caused by the Coronavirus.

The hospice in Hatch Lane, which is due to move to a new home in Reform Road, Maidenhead this autumn, relies on public donations and has been badly hit by the enforced closure of its 23 charity shops and cancellation of fund raising events.

Looking after Coronavirus patients and keeping them safely distanced from other residents with life limiting conditions has also added a great deal to running costs.

UCB, the global biopharmaceutical company in Bath Road, Slough develops treatments for people living with neurological and immunological conditions.

Dan Coombes, area head for UCB said: “Local charities and organisations have been critical in supporting those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to play this small role in helping make things a bit better for those most in need.”

Jane Symmons, head of major gifts at Thames Hospice, said: "During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis we supported the NHS in looking after COVID-19 patients at the hospice and we expanded our community nursing team to ensure every patient who needed our care was looked after.

"The closure of our shops and events meant our income took a major hit but we continued to support our community as it was the right thing to do.

"Even our CEO returned to the front line to support the nursing teams. In response, our community supported us, and we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received. The donation from UCB allowed us to continue providing essential care, support the NHS and be a beacon of light for many families."