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Martin House Children\u2019s Hospice has raised \u00a31.4 million towards its \u00a32 million goal for THE BUILD, a \u00a321.9 million redevelopment including a new hydrotherapy pool to enhance care for children with complex medical needs in Yorkshire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Martin House Children\u2019s Hospice has reached a significant milestone in its ambitious redevelopment project, raising \u00a31.4 million in public donations towards its \u00a32 million fundraising target for THE BUILD. This \u00a321.9 million transformation, launched in April 2024, aims to enhance the hospice\u2019s facilities in Boston Spa, ensuring it can continue providing vital respite and end-of-life care for children and young people with life-shortening conditions for many years to come.<\/p>\n
The project, now in its second phase following the completion of the new Children\u2019s Wing earlier this year, includes the installation of a hydrotherapy pool. Designed to alleviate symptoms, ease muscle spasms, and aid physiotherapy, the pool will provide children with movement disorders greater freedom and comfort while also offering essential time for family bonding. The Children\u2019s Wing, part of phase one, features nine woodland-themed bedrooms equipped with piped oxygen and integrated hoists, as well as communal spaces such as an art room, playroom, family lounge, and dining area. These facilities were developed with strong input from the families the hospice serves, reflecting the evolving needs of children living longer but with increasingly complex medical requirements.<\/p>\n
Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, highlighted the critical role of public support in bringing the project closer to completion. Speaking about the project\u2019s importance, she noted that advances in medicine have increased the complexity of care required, making the redevelopment essential to meet these changing demands. She called on the people of Yorkshire to continue supporting THE BUILD to ensure the \u00a321.9 million project can be completed by winter.<\/p>\n
Personal stories underline the project\u2019s impact, such as that of Ava, a child born with a rare gene deletion who benefits from physiotherapy in the hydrotherapy pool, and six-year-old twins Ruby and Sophia. These twins have a rare neurological condition causing paralysis and breathing difficulties, and the pool’s warm water and supportive hoists will allow them to experience swimming safely alongside their brother for the first time.<\/p>\n
The project has drawn vital corporate support, particularly from HARIBO UK, a proud Yorkshire-based business and headline sponsor of THE BUILD. HARIBO\u2019s Managing Director, Jon Hughes, emphasised the importance of their partnership with Martin House, noting that it has created \u201cspecial moments of childlike happiness\u201d for local families over the past 17 years. He welcomed the upcoming hydrotherapy pool as a crucial addition, set to bring comfort, relief, and joyful experiences to the children and families who need it most.<\/p>\n
Martin House\u2019s fundraising journey for THE BUILD has been marked by steady progress, with \u00a31 million raised before reaching the current \u00a31.4 million milestone. The project\u2019s phased development is designed to ensure comprehensive care enhancements, with plans for a teenagers\u2019 wing, education centre, and wellbeing centre alongside the hydrotherapy pool in subsequent stages. The strong local and corporate support reflects the community\u2019s commitment to securing the hospice\u2019s future as a sanctuary for families facing difficult health challenges.<\/p>\n
As THE BUILD approaches its final stretch, Martin House continues to rally public support to complete this transformative redevelopment, emphasising the essential role it plays in adapting facilities for the complex and changing needs of children with life-shortening conditions. The project stands as a testament to collaborative effort, combining public donations and corporate partnerships to ensure long-term resilience and quality of care.<\/p>\n