A charity that helps patients with bills and overseas medical costs has highlighted its continuing legacy more than 90 years after it was established.

The Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association said that while its good work continues, the demand for its services has increased.

Founded in 1932 by Lady Cubitt, the wife of the governor at the time, the charity provides relief from poverty, suffering and distress to Bermuda families.

It says that in 2024, the legacy continues as a dedicated team works hard to ensure that it is able to help people when it is most needed.

Marisa Howard, executive director of the LCCA, said: “Of course I have known about the LCCA all my life. However, when I took over as executive director, I realised the depth of what we do and how many we have helped over the years. We run two distinct programmes that help all through the community in very positive ways.”

The LCCA assists those in financial and emotional need, providing advice and counselling services, help with utility and other bills including prescription drugs, and children with special needs.

Its Patient Overseas Financial Aid Programme assists patients with costs associated with overseas medical treatment.

Ms Howard added: “It is incredibly rewarding to be helping when people really need it. However, it is very worrying that the need for our help is increasing day by day. The demand for food and utility vouchers especially is now very high. This is where we really need the help of the community.”

Shakira Warner has been on the LCCA’s Committee of Management for more than six years, and is now chairwoman of the Special Cases Committee.

She said: “When it comes to people who need to go overseas for potential life-saving treatment who don’t have the insurance cover or funds to pay, the LCCA provides vital assistance.

“Although that assistance is a loan, given at no interest, it is usually there when needed to ensure those individuals have access to the care they need. Repayment of loans allows the LCCA to continue supporting people in need sustainably.

“Being involved with the LCCA has provided invaluable learning opportunities for me as well and I hope to be able to work with the LCCA for years to come to see the good work continue.”

Katie Carr, a senior underwriter at Hiscox Bermuda, joined the board in 2023. Her great-grandmother was Hilda Aitken, one of the first two women elected to serve in the House of Assembly. In 1951, Ms Aitken was appointed chairman of the Social Welfare Board. In that role, she obtained parliamentary approval for £2,000 in funding for the association to assist people with overseas medical care.

On joining the board, Ms Carr said: “I’m very proud to work with the LCCA and continue something my great-grandmother started. The Financial Aid Programme has helped thousands of people over the years live better and healthy lives. Helping to continue this legacy and the legacy of Lady Cubitt’s LCCA general programme is vital and needs to be supported by the Bermuda community.”

Peter Hebberd, the new chairman, has been involved with the LCCA for about 20 years. Drawing on his experience in small-business management, he aims to increase the LCCA’s profile in the donor community.

He said: “Covid certainly did not help our awareness level island-wide. When I was selling LCCA tags last September, many people asked where we had been. It was very encouraging knowing we had been missed.

“We are working towards modernising our systems so we can run more efficiently. There’s a lot going on at the LCCA right now. Increased demand for what we do keeps things really moving. We don’t see that demand lessening at this time. We need to be ready for it.

“When I told my sisters I was taking over as chair, one of them said that the LCCA had helped our mother go to New York in the 1960s for breast cancer treatment. They both think there’s no better way to repay that help. So, I’d better get on with it and ensure more people are helped in the years to come. Can’t upset the sisters.”

“The legacy continues.”