A FAMILY from Luckington who visit Helen House are calling for donations in a final push to raise the remaining £500,000 of the £1.5m needed to refurbish Helen House to bring it up to modern standards for families from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Helen & Douglas House has received £436,000 from NHS England to do some of the work needed to future-proof the hospice and the charity has raised £500,000 through donations made since the appeal was launched at the end of 2013.  But they need a further £500,000 to complete this essential work.

Over thirty years on from when they first opened their doors as the world’s first children’s hospice, the time has come to up-date-the facilities in line with modern standards.

Rosie Simmens is 11 years old and lives in Luckington, Wiltshire with her mum Cara. Rosie has a progressive neurological condition called Leigh’s Syndrome and has been coming to Helen House since she was two.

Mum Cara stays in one of the family flats when Rosie has respite stays. This means she can get a rest and enjoy time for herself while Rosie is looked after and has fun.

Cara said “The food is exceptional and homemade, the washing is done for me, I can enjoy a spa and massage and often explore Oxford. I also get emotional support and being around people and families going through a similar situation is invaluable.”

“Helen House is such a wonderful place which we enjoy coming to, giving us vital help and support. However, it is now over 30 years old so it does need up-dating with improvements including piped oxygen in all the rooms and wider corridors and spaces so larger, modern wheelchairs and beds can be moved around. The spa, music, art and plays areas are places we spend time together and they along with the kitchen and dining areas do need  updating. The refurbishment will also provide a new dedicated teaching space for children so they are able to continue their lessons during their stay. So please help by making a donation if you can.”

Mel Richards who is the local Community Fundraiser said “We would like to thank everyone who has made a donation so far to the Helen House Refurbishment Appeal but we do need to raise the final £500,000 by the end of the summer to complete the work to ensure our families from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire can enjoy the most up-to-date facilities when they come and stay with us.”

Anyone wishing to donate money and help raise this final £500,000, should visit the charity’s website at www.helenanddouglas.org.uk, or contact the Fundraising Team by email; fundraising@helenanddouglas.org.uk, or phone; 01865 799150.