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The
charity’s £4 million appeal to build the state-of-the-art hospice,
on the southern outskirts of Worcester, broke through the £3 million
mark at the end of July and as Acorns’ Chief Executive, John Overton,
explains: "Although we still have £1 million to raise in order to
finish building and equipping the hospice, the committed and generous
support from local people and groups has given us the confidence
to sign the contract for building to begin."
Malvern-based
Speller-Metcalfe have been chosen as builders and are expected on
site at the end of October. "We are absolutely delighted to have
won this prestigious contract," said Steve Speller, Joint Managing
Director.
"It
is our privilege to have been entrusted with the task of building
the new Acorns children’s hospice, a commission which will be of
very special importance to all of our staff and employees.
"With
a local workforce approaching 100, we bring to Acorns a wealth of
experience and ability and we will all take pride in the challenge
involved in this exciting project."
The
build will take around 13 months to complete. The 10-bed hospice
will have an acre of landscaped gardens all designed to be as interactive
and accessible as possible for the children who visit – many of
whom will use wheelchairs or have sensory impairments.
The
grounds also include an acre of paddock for resident donkeys, Dotty
and Sally.
Children
at the hospice will be able to exercise in the hydrotherapy pool,
relax in the multi-sensory room and enjoy messy play in the specially
designed playroom.
The
hospice will have a wing for teenagers and plenty of accommodation
for parents and siblings.
"We
will actually sign the contracts during Children’s Hospice Week
which makes the whole event even more poignant, especially as new
research indicates that more children than ever in the Three Counties
will need the support and specialist care of a children’s hospice,"
added Mr Overton.
"As
the hospice moves from architect’s plans to bricks and mortar so
too our care for families at home is developing.
"With
support from the National Lottery and working closely with local
Primary Care Trusts, we have also recently appointed two new home
support workers to join the Three Counties team and a dedicated
worker for siblings in the region.
"This
means that together with the new hospice we will be able to offer
a holistic support network in the Three Counties, for the many local
families struggling to cope with a life-limited child.
"None
of this would be possible without the loyal generosity given to
Acorns by the people from the Three Counties and across the West
Midlands.
"We
are thrilled to have got so far and hope that local communities
will share our excitement and continue to support our fundraising
so we can complete this much-needed facility for 250 children and
their families."
For
details of forthcoming events or information on how you can help
the Three Counties Appeal, call 01905 767676 or visit .
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