IT’S certainly good news that children with severe or complex special needs are living longer.

This is clearly a testament to the continual advances in medical science and enhanced skills within the NHS.

A study by Leeds University shows that in just 10 years the number of children with a life-limiting condition across England has grown by almost a third. Locally it means there are now more than 300 children living with any one of almost 400 conditions that will severely shorten their life.

And the newly-built Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Brackenhall is already seeing this rising number in the demand for its services.

So it is surprising and more than a little disappointing that the Government only pays 4% a year towards the hospice’s running costs.

Many would argue that for such an important frontline service the grant should be far more realistic.

But this study also shows that there is a need for a children’s hospice in Huddersfield like never before.

Thanks to the vision, hard work and amazing dedication by a wonderful group of people that hospice is on the verge of becoming a fully up and running reality.