New hospice aims to build upon Zoe's Place legacy

Work is now under way to build a new children's hospice in Liverpool thanks to a huge fundraising drive for the Zoe's Place charity

Work to build a new children's hospice in Liverpool has started a year after the Zoe's Place charity was dramatically saved in a public fundraising campaign.

A ceremony took place on Friday to break ground on the charity's new site after £7.5m was raised. Zoe's Place will be renamed Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice when it opens next year.

Zoe's Place warned in October 2024 that it would have to close within weeks unless it could quickly secure enough money to cover its costs.

The charity said the new purpose-built hospice would feature some of the most advanced facilities and technology available and would ensure the very best care and comfort for every child and their family.

Labour MP for West Derby Ian Byrne, who was involved in the campaign to save the hospice, said: "It would have been hard to have envisaged this happening a year ago but we had faith in the city and the people of this city."

The new centre will include a hydrotherapy pool, providing therapeutic and sensory benefits to children with complex needs.

A dedicated cinema room will give families special moments of joy and shared experiences.

There will also be two Snowdrop Suites - private spaces in which families can spend precious time together and say their final goodbyes in peace and dignity.