17/06/2015

£1.6m Needed To Complete New Hospice

The Northern Ireland Hospice is urgently calling for support to complete its new state-of-the-art dementia-friendly hospice.

Work started on the north Belfast Somerton Road project in March 2014, at the cost of £13m and, to date, a total of £11.4m has been secured, however the hospice needs a further £1.6m to finish the project.

Support so far has come from the public sector, businesses, individuals, various trusts and the local community.

NI Hospice embarked on the construction of this new state-of-the-art dementia-friendly hospice as the old Hospice facility on the same site was no longer fit for purpose. During the construction period, Northern Ireland Hospice services have been temporarily housed at Whiteabbey Hospital, and continue to provide care for people at the end of life.

Heather Weir, Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive, said: "We could never have reached this stage of building the new hospice without the financial support from fundraisers.

"I would like pay tribute to all of our donors that have supported so far. Individuals and groups in the community, charitable trusts, corporate sponsors and government support has been instrumental is getting us this far.

"The race is now on to complete the new hospice for the people of Northern Ireland. On behalf of the people that need hospice care today and in the future, I am asking for all sections and sectors of our community to make a special effort and donate to help us get the hospice finished and the doors opened."

(CD/JP)

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