KIRKWOOD Hospice has raised almost all the £3m needed for its major Capital Appeal renovation.
The huge upgrade for in-patients at the hospice is on schedule with the keys due to be handed over by the builders at the end of this month – and the hospice has just confirmed that £2.7m has now been raised.
Now a final push is needed to raise the final £300,000.
Patients will be back at the hospice at the end of July.
At the moment the hospice is running its in-patient unit in Ward 11 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
The £3m Capital Appeal is in addition to the hospice’s annual running costs which are now £5m.
Fundraising Manager Marie Peacock said: “We couldn’t have raised this fantastic amount of money without the support of the community and we are extremely grateful.
“We still have £300,000 to raise to achieve our appeal target. This is still a vast amount of money and we would appreciate any support that can be given.
“With major advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening illness, patients are now living longer post-diagnosis.
“As care becomes more long-term, patients have more complex needs and additional facilities and equipment are required.
“The modernisation of the in-patient unit, the oldest part of the Hospice was essential to enable Kirkwood to provide 21st century care for the next 25 years and beyond.”
The Capital Appeal was launched last year to coincide with the Hospice’s 25th Anniversary.
The appeal will feature nine en-suite single bedrooms, new three and four-bed bays and a bedroom for families wanting to remain at the hospice at night, along with a large family lounge with a kitchen and dining area.
The project to expand and refurbish the in-patient unit is vital to ensure that Kirkwood can continue to provide specialist end of life care, free of charge, for people across Kirklees.
Now the hospice is offering a unique opportunity to take a tour of the in-patient unit before patients are moved back.
Tours are available between July 6 and 21 with various dates and times available. To book or to find out more about how you can get involved call Marie Peacock on 01484 557911 or email mariep@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk.
Fundraising ideas are also available at www.capitalappeal.org.
