Hospice aims to raise £360,000 in 36 hours

The project has the backing of former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate

A West Yorkshire hospice is aiming to raise £360,000 in the space of 36 hours to help fund a major redevelopment.

Martin House Children's Hospice, in Boston Spa, wants to provide more space for terminally ill young people.

The £22m project includes building new wings for children and teenagers, along with a wellbeing centre.

Hospice ambassador and former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate said: "Only with your help can we achieve an outstanding result for Martin House Children's Hospice and the people we support."

The fundraiser, dubbed the 36 Hour Give, will be launched on Sunday at Wetherby Town Hall by supporters and special guests, including Emmerdale cast members and the Mayor of Wetherby.

A spokesperson for the hospice every pound generated would be doubled by match funders.

Sir Gareth added: "Your support and generosity during the 36 Hour Give will have double the impact on the children, young people, and their families across Yorkshire that use our much-needed services."

Hospice chief executive Clair Holdsworth said public support for the project, which was first announced last year, had been "nothing short of inspiring".

Ms Holdsworth said: "Advances in medicine mean more children and young people with life-shortening conditions are living for longer and with increasingly complex needs. Our building, facilities and services must continuously evolve to meet these needs.

"We're asking the amazing people of Yorkshire to join us in the 36 Hour Give, helping us reach our target and complete this essential £21.9m project."

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