A fundraising appeal to replace a children’s hospice in Quidenham has reached the £100,000 mark.
Launched in the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge at the Norfolk Showground last month, the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) ‘nook’ appeal is aiming to raise £10 million to build a new facility in Framingham Earl.
So far, £100,551.62 has been raised.
A spokesperson said the new facility will be on an “idyllic” woodland plot, and have better access to local services, hospitals and road networks.
The current facility in Quidenham is described as “extremely restricted in its facilities and development,” and was converted from an old country house more than 20 years ago.
Tracy Rennie, EACH Director of Care, said: “Reaching the £100,000 fundraising total means we’re a step closer to building the nook; a new purpose-built children’s hospice so vitally needed in Norfolk. We’ve still got a long way to go, but are confident the public will continue to support the nook appeal to make the vision become a reality.
“I’ve worked at EACH for 19 years and children’s hospice services have developed so much in that time. Our Quidenham hospice is one of the oldest in the UK and has been an incredible home-from-home to many families. However, the hospice was converted from an old country house and is extremely restricted in its facilities and development.
“Care for young people over the last 20 years has become far more complicated and we are rapidly outgrowing the constraints of the Quidenham building. EACH needs a 21st Century building to be able to deliver 21st Century care; something the nook appeal can help us achieve.
“Staff and families are delighted with the fundraising response so far and would like to thank everyone who has donated as well as encouraging new supporters to get involved.”
Mark Loades, EACH Norfolk Partnerships Manager, added: “The money has come in from a variety of sources, including local business, individuals, community groups and schools.
“We’ve also received a number of pledges of support, which makes this a great start to our campaign. A donation of any size really will make a difference to the appeal as every penny counts.”
n To find out more about the appeal, visit www.each.org.uk/the-nook, or visit the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/thenookappeal