Liverpool’s Zoe’s Place Hospice Secures Future After £6 Million Fundraising Drive

A hospice in Liverpool, providing care for infants and young children, has avoided closure following a community fundraising effort that generated over £6 million within a single month. Zoe’s Place, which supports children under five years old with chronic or life-limiting conditions, had previously stated its intention to cease operations by the close of the year. The charity’s trustees have since verified that sufficient funds were secured from both private donors and corporate entities to allow the facility to continue its services. TJ Morris Ltd, a Liverpool-based retailer operating as Home Bargains, committed £2.5 million towards the £6.4 million goal. Additionally, local enterprises such as sportswear company Montirex and the Hot Water Comedy Club contributed hundreds of thousands of pounds. During an announcement at the hospice regarding its continued operation, fundraiser Gina Earnshaw described the preceding weeks as “all-consuming.” She further remarked, “All the stress and all the emotion it has been worth it for this moment right now.” Michelle Wright, the hospice’s head of care, stated, “Words cannot express how I feel.” She elaborated, “The fact that we can continue to support our children and families means everything and is all every member of the team has wanted to do.” The initial announcement on 7 October that the hospice, located on Yew Tree Lane in West Derby, faced closure prompted expressions of profound distress from numerous families impacted by the news. Stephanie Perry, whose three-year-old daughter Robyn receives care there twice weekly, commented, “There’s nowhere else we can take our children, our babies, where they’re looked after, where they’re safe and that we trust.” Zoe’s Place, which also maintains facilities in Middlesbrough and Coventry, commenced operations in Liverpool in 1995. In October, the organization reported that a proposal to relocate to a new, purpose-built facility nearby had been abandoned due to escalating expenses and insufficient time. The prospective closure would have resulted in 41 staff members facing job losses. Subsequently, it was revealed that the charity would be unable to occupy its current premises past June 2025, as the building and land owners, the Catholic order The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, were vacating and selling the property. Optimism was rekindled following a fundraising initiative, endorsed by West Derby MP Ian Byrne, which garnered significant public support across Merseyside and other regions. Mr. Byrne expressed that he “could not be more proud right now to be a Scouser.” He further stated, “From kids dropping their pocket money into a collection bucket, and elderly people donating their pension, to local businesses organising fundraising events and celebrities giving generously of their time and money, it really has felt like the whole city has come together over the last four weeks to save Zoe’s – just as I knew they would.” Zoe’s Place reported that the fundraising activities encompassed comedy performances and various sponsored events, alongside contributions from several prominent local figures. Among those who participated in the campaign were former Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler, musician Jamie Webster, mixed martial arts competitors Paddy Pimblett and Meatball Molly, and comedians John Bishop and Adam Rowe. Employees of the Liverpool Echo newspaper also undertook a sponsored walk, traveling from their city centre office to West Derby. Zoe’s Place announced the establishment of a new charitable organization, which will assume exclusive responsibility for the Liverpool location and supervise the development of a new hospice facility. Mr. Byrne additionally pledged to address the broader concern of funding for children’s hospices within parliament. On 29 October, he introduced a bill to Parliament concerning children’s hospice funding, which mandates the government to review financial provisions for hospices specializing in pediatric care and ensure access to these facilities for all children requiring palliative support. The following day, 30 October, he arranged a Westminster Hall debate on the subject and has corresponded with Chancellor Rachel Reeves. For further content from BBC Radio Merseyside, listeners can access Sounds, and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story contributions can be sent to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. This material is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.