An urgent Capital Appeal has been launched by Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, inviting people in the community, businesses, and supporters to contribute to the £3.5 million needed for a brand-new, cutting-edge home in Liverpool.
For the past 28 years, hundreds of families in the area have found solace in Liverpool’s only hospice, which cares for babies and children with complex and life-limiting conditions aged 0-5 years.
However, Zoe’s Place now urgently requires the kind assistance and support of the Liverpool community in order to meet its £3.5 million goal, which will finance its new location and enable it to keep providing its exceptional, child-centered care after its current lease expires in 2025.
Aimee Clare, Capital Appeal Lead at Zoe’s Place, said:
“Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice is an incredibly special place, providing specialist and essential care to our babies and their families at a time when they need it the most.
“It’s a place of happiness, relief and is a true lifeline for those who need it, allowing families to be together and experience the joy of childhood, which can easily be taken for granted by many of us.
“I’m urging the business community, our generous supporters and new fundraisers to activate and help us at this pivotal time so we can build a new home and continue to provide outstanding and specialist care and support to the children and families who really need us.
“If lots of people give a little, we will quickly raise a lot and together we can build a new home and hospice for Liverpool to be incredibly proud of.”
Zoe’s Place delivers respite, palliative and bereavement care for the whole family and has recently been awarded ‘Outstanding on Care’ status by the CQC.
Robyn Perry is two and a half years old and living with Spina Bifida and Kyphosis. Her mum, Stephanie Perry says that Zoe’s Place has been amazing for her and her family:
“When we found Zoe’s Place last year it was a lifesaver, it felt like home as soon as we walked in.
“I don’t trust many people with [Robyn] because of the needs that she’s got and it was hard leaving her at first, but I did and it was the best thing ever, it’s amazing for her, she loves it, she gets to play and do sensory – everything that keeps her stimulated and that gives me time with my other kids.”
Planning Permission for a new, single-storey extension was submitted on Monday 18 March to transform the former bowling green at Hayman’s Green, West Derby into a first-class, purpose-built, facility for Zoe’s Place families.
Community events will also be arranged in the coming months to share plans and information about the new development.
Michael Cunningham, Zoe’s Place trustee and former architect at Mersey Design Group, said:
“Being able to bring my architectural experience to my new trustee role at Zoe’s Place at a time when we’re launching this ambitious project is an honour and I’m determined to see these plans brought to fruition.
“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the impact of designing spaces that not only serve the practical needs of a building but also embrace the spirit of those within and the work that they’re doing.
“Since joining the Zoe’s Place team I’ve experienced the outstanding care, support and comfort that is offered to the babies, children and families that come through these doors and my mission is to keep those doors open for many years to come.”
Zoe’s Place will be launching several fundraising initiatives throughout the campaign, the first being ‘The 150’, which encourages 150 businesses to sign up and donate £1000 to the Zoe’s Place Capital Appeal through their own fundraising efforts.
The first company to sign up for ‘The 150’ and support the Capital Appeal is The Anfield Wrap, which delivers the latest news from Liverpool Football Club.
John Gibbons, Head of Partnerships at The Anfield Wrap, said:
“As soon as we heard about the Zoe’s Place Capital Appeal and ‘The 150′ we immediately signed up.
“The City of Liverpool is great at coming together and supporting each other when people most need it, and Zoe’s Place really needs our support right now!
“All our team have embraced the challenge of raising the money, coming up with lots of creative ideas to help.
“I’m sure we can get 149 more businesses in the city to step up and ensure Zoe’s Place continues to deliver their incredible service in their new home for many years to come.”
Donations can be made to the Zoe’s Place Capital Appeal by visiting the JustGiving page here.
More information on how your business can become part of ‘The 150’ can be found by visiting the website here.
READ MORE: ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPICE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF CARE IN MERSEYSIDE
