Gareth Southgate backs Wetherby's Martin House Children's Hospice fundraiser

England manager Gareth Southgate is backing the fundraising appeal

A children's hospice has started its biggest-ever appeal to raise almost £22m to build more space to care for young patients.

Martin House Children's Hospice in Wetherby wants to build a new children's wing, teenagers' wing and wellbeing centre by winter 2025.

England manager Gareth Southgate, who is the charity's ambassador, said the hospice was "a lifeline" for families.

The charity said it hoped the public would help raise £2m towards the plan.

Clair Holdsworth, chief executive at Martin House, said a lot had changed during the 40 years the hospice has been open, as "children now live longer with much more complex conditions than they ever did and we need to transform our hospice building to be able to meet those needs".

She said: "We understand that the current economic circumstances are tough for many people at the moment, and we would be grateful for any donations at all, no amount is too small, every penny will make a significant difference."

Southgate said he supported Martin House as he lived nearby.

He said: "We've seen the impact for the children and what it means for them to come here and have an escape somewhere.

"I guess it is that personalisation of it that has had that impact on me."

Southgate with Martin House chief Clair Holdsworth and two mums whose children have used the service

He added: "I admire the work they do for the local community, children and families across Yorkshire and beyond.

"The hospice is a lifeline for local families, and it really does transform the lives of young people with life-limiting illnesses every single day."

The children's wing would be the first phase of the build and would ensure families visiting for respite or end-of-care life had a choice of how they spend their time, the hospice said.

It will include an enchanted forest-themed playroom, art room, seven parents' bedrooms, nine ensuite children's rooms with piped oxygen and integrated hoist as well as a private garden.

Work is under way at Martin House Hospice in Wetherby

The teenagers' wing would then be built, creating a social space for young people "by giving them more freedom and independence, allowing teens to be teens".

The hospice said it would also include a recording studio and gaming zone.

In addition to that, the hospice said the planned wellbeing centre would feature hydrotherapy and sensory pools and a sensory room with immersive cinema experience.