Gareth Southgate backs Wetherby's Martin House Hospice fundraiser

Alex Moss - BBC News
·2 min read
Clair Holdsworth and Gareth Southgate
England manager Gareth Southgate is backing the fundraising appeal [Duncan Lomax]
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A children's hospice has started its biggest ever appeal to raise almost £22m to build more space to care for young patients.

Martin House Hospice in Wetherby wants to build a new children's wing, teenagers' wing and wellbeing centre by winter 2025.

England manager Gareth Southgate, who is the charity's ambassador, said the hospice was "a lifeline" for families.

The charity said it hoped the public would help raise £2m towards the plan.

Clair Holdsworth, chief executive at Martin House, said: "We understand that the current economic circumstances are tough for many people at the moment, and we would be grateful for any donations at all, no amount is too small, every penny will make a significant difference."

Southgate, who will launch the public appeal later, said he supported Martin House as he lived nearby.

Gareth Southgate with Martin House chief Clair Holdsworth and two mums whose children have used the service
Southgate with Martin House chief Clair Holdsworth and two mums whose children have used the service [Tom Ingall/BBC]

"I admire the work they do for the local community, children and families across Yorkshire and beyond," he said.

"The hospice is a lifeline for local families, and it really does transform the lives of young people with life-limiting illnesses every single day."

The children's wing would be the first phase of the build and would ensure families visiting for respite or end-of-care life had a choice of how they spend their time, the hospice said.

It will include an enchanted forest-themed playroom, art room, seven parents' bedrooms, nine ensuite children's rooms with piped oxygen and integrated hoist as well as a private garden.

Work under way at Martin House Hospice in Wetherby
Work is under way at Martin House Hospice in Wetherby [Tom Ingall/BBC]

The teenagers' wing would then be built, creating a social space for young people "by giving them more freedom and independence, allowing teens to be teens".

The hospice said it would also include a recording studio and gaming zone.

In addition to that, the hospice said the planned wellbeing centre would feature hydrotherapy and sensory pools and a sensory room with immersive cinema experience.

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