Local charity St Ann's Hospice is celebrating having raised £1 million for the construction of a new hospice building. 

The charity, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses, has been looking to build a new hospice in Heald Green ever since the existing one became outdated and impractical.

St Ann's is aiming to raise £2 million for the appeal, so this halfway point represents a significant milestone. 

Anne Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign, said of the news: "We are all so excited to reach this midway point in our fundraising and can't thank our supporters enough.

"It is an inspiration to hear of all the events and donations that have come together to make this huge amount of money. All of this incredible support makes a huge difference and brings our vision for a new purpose-built hospice closer to reality."

The new hospice will represent a significant improvement on the existing Victorian building (Image - St Ann's Hospice)

And the funds have swiftly been made useful - the early stages of construction have already begun on the new site. 

Located on land next to the current Heald Green hospice, the new building will house a 27-bed inpatient unit including individual en-suite rooms and access to private outdoor terraces. The development will also feature modern outpatient and day therapy services, dedicated bereavement and family support spaces, all surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens.

Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann's, says: "Our existing Heald Green hospice has served us well, but it was never intended to be a hospice at all – it was originally a school. And at over 150 years old, and with Victorian plumbing and a roof that often needs patching up, we cannot keep making do and mending for much longer."

Medical director Dave Waterman said: "I think the [new] building will offer us an opportunity to continue to deliver the best care at a specialist level, and to deliver that care over the next 50 years in the best way possible."

Find out more and donate to the 'Build It Together Appeal' at www.sah.org.uk/newhospice.

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