Zoe's Place hospice saved by massive public effort
Zoe's Place Hospice Saved By Generous Donations
Photo credit: Tom Walker/BBC
The team at Zoe's Place and Ian Byrne, the MP for West Derby, are enjoying the achievement of raising £6.4 million through their fundraising efforts.
A hospice in Liverpool that provides care for infants and young children has avoided shutting down thanks to the community's incredible efforts, which collected over £6 million in just one month.
Zoe's Place, an organization that supports children under five who have serious or life-threatening illnesses, has recently declared that it will need to close its doors by the end of the year.
The charity's trustees have now confirmed that they have secured sufficient funding from individuals and businesses to continue operating.
TJ Morris Ltd, a retailer based in Liverpool and operating under the name Home Bargains, has committed £2.5 million towards a goal of £6.4 million. Additionally, local businesses such as the sportswear company Montirex and the Hot Water Comedy Club have contributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to the cause.
Photo credit: Tom Walker/BBC
Stephanie Perry visits Zoe's Place twice a week with her son Josh and her three-year-old daughter Robyn.
During a speech at the hospice, following the announcement of its continued operation, fundraiser Gina Earnshaw shared that the last few weeks have been utterly overwhelming.
However, she mentioned, "The stress and emotions I've experienced have been worthwhile for this moment."
Michelle Wright, the care director at the hospice, shared her emotions by saying, "I can't find the words to convey what I'm feeling."
Being able to keep helping our children and families is incredibly important to us, and it's truly the main goal for every person on our team.
When the closure of the hospice on Yew Tree Lane in West Derby was announced on October 7, numerous families impacted by the decision expressed their heartbreak.
Stephanie Perry, whose three-year-old daughter Robyn goes there twice a week, expressed, "We don't have any other places to send our kids, our little ones, where they are cared for, safe, and where we have confidence in the care they receive."
BBC Radio Merseyside was broadcasting from Zoe's Place when they received the exciting update that sufficient funds had been gathered to ensure the charity's ongoing presence in Liverpool.
Zoe's Place, which has locations in Middlesbrough and Coventry as well, was established in Liverpool in 1995.
In October, it was announced that the proposal to relocate to a newly constructed facility in the vicinity had failed because expenses increased dramatically and there wasn't enough time.
The proposed shutdown meant that 41 employees were at risk of losing their positions.
It was later revealed that the charity would no longer have access to the building after June 2025, as the property and land were owned by the Catholic organization The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, which was planning to leave and sell the property.
After a fundraising campaign, which received backing from West Derby MP Ian Byrne, gained momentum, people's hopes were revived across Merseyside and beyond.
Mr. Byrne expressed that he has never felt prouder to be from Liverpool.
"From children putting their pocket money into donation buckets, to seniors contributing part of their pensions, local businesses hosting fundraising events, and celebrities generously offering both their time and money, it truly seems like the entire community has united over the past month to support Zoe’s – just as I expected," he stated.
Photo credit: Tom Walker/BBC
Nurses Katy Jones and Laura Knight were part of the 41 employees facing job uncertainty following the announcement of the closure.
Zoe's Place announced that the fundraising campaign featured comedy shows and various sponsored events, along with backing from several of the city's prominent residents.
Former Liverpool player Robbie Fowler, musician Jamie Webster, mixed martial artists Paddy Pimblett and Meatball Molly, along with comedians John Bishop and Adam Rowe, have come together to support the initiative.
Team members from the Liverpool Echo newspaper participated in a fundraising walk, starting from their office in the city center and making their way to West Derby.
Zoe's Place announced that a new charity has been established to assume full responsibility for the Liverpool location and manage the building of a new hospice.
Mr. Byrne also promised to bring up the broader topic of financial support for children's hospices in parliament.
On October 29, he introduced a proposal to Parliament regarding funding for children's hospices. This proposal calls on the government to evaluate the funding systems for hospices dedicated to child care and to ensure that all children in need of palliative care can access these facilities.
On October 30, he arranged for a debate in Westminster Hall regarding the matter and has sent a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
