A businessman has made a further gift of £500,000 to support Hospice Isle of Man’s work across the island.

Ivan Soulsbury's latest donation comes after a difficult year for Hospice, which has included redundancies and cuts to services as it continues to manage financial pressures.

A spokesperson said rising costs, demographic pressures linked to an ageing population and comparatively low levels of government funding were among the ‘key factors’ behind its financial difficulties.

It was also confirmed that the charity had been operating at a deficit for the past six years.

Mr Soulsbury’s latest contribution follows his £1 million donation to Hospice in 2023, bringing the total value of his gifts to the charity to £1.5 million.

He said his latest gift was intended to support Hospice's vital work across the island, but stressed that it should not be regarded as a replacement for public funding.

‘Hospice cares for people across this island at the most difficult time of their lives, and that care is essential,’ he said.

‘I'm very pleased to support Hospice again, and I'd encourage others in a position to give to consider doing the same. However, while philanthropy will always have an important place at Hospice, it shouldn't be relied on to fund the core of its essential end-of-life care, and it should never be a reason for Government to reduce its commitment.

‘The people of the Isle of Man are already doing a tremendous amount. They raise millions, give countless hours as volunteers, and save Government significant cost in the process.

‘I'd encourage everyone to keep doing everything that they do. Every donation, every fundraiser and every hour volunteered helps make this care possible.

‘I hope Government appreciate that contribution and ensure Hospice's funding reflects the true value of the services it provides.’

Hospice chief executive Fiona Hatton stated that Mr Soulsbury ‘combines wisdom with kindess’.

‘He is a true philanthropist who wants to make a difference for others, and we are enormously grateful for his continued support,’ she said.

‘After a very difficult year for our patients, families and staff, this gift will help us protect the care that people across the island depend on.

‘Ivan's generosity sits alongside that of so many others who donate, fundraise and volunteer for Hospice, and we thank every one of them. We will continue working with Government towards sustainable funding, so that Hospice can be there for everyone who needs us, now and in the future.’

The charity is currently in the midst of an ‘anxious’ wait for any further government support.

The Department of Health and Social Care and Manx Care previously said they were working closely with Hospice Isle of Man to ensure patients and families continue to receive the care they rely on.

In a joint statement, the organisations said: ‘Patients and families across the island can be reassured they will continue to receive the care they rely on.’