STAFF at Claire House Children’s Hospice are appealing to anyone who can offer support to help keep their doors open.
The hospice, in Bebington, Wirral, offers vital respite and end-of-life care to children and their families free of charge and covers a wide area that includes Cheshire.
However, without the annual £2.4m needed to cover the running costs, the hospice would have to turn away many of the 240 children per year whose lives are enhanced by their experience there.
Last year’s Sparkling Stars appeal funded the new teenage wing, which provides a more spacious, private environment for teenagers whose illnesses often prevent them from mixing with other people of their age.
John Maddock, events fundraiser for the hospice, said: “The Government’s New Opportunities fund covers around 9% of the costs, but the rest has to be met by the generosity of individuals and businesses.”
Karen Wright, chief executive of Claire House, said: “To give a happy environment to children whose lives are limited by their conditions is our main aim.”
To meet the costs, the hospice will be holding fundraising events throughout the year, including a Valentine’s Ball at Thornton Hall on May 9, and a family fun day in June.
An important aspect of funding is the new ‘sponsor a nurse’ scheme, in which businesses can cover the cost of a nurse for the year.
Mr Maddock added: “We are appealing to everyone to make any form of donation.”
Anyone interested in making a donation or finding out more about the schemes is encouraged to ring the Appeals Office on 0151 343 0883.
