Presenter helps hospice mark major milestone

IT was a major milestone in the future of a Hampshire hospice.

Children staying at Naomi House and Jacksplace celebrated the topping out ceremony of their 4m Caterpillar Appeal rebuild project with family members and staff.

Appeal patron Alastair Stewart OBE marked the ceremony by placing a single tile on the hospice's new roof.

He was joined by Naomi Cornelius-Reid - after whom the hospice is named - for the ritual that has been observed by the building trade for hundreds of years.

The charity's chief operating officer, Mark Smith, said: It's a real pleasure to see Alistair and Naomi place the highest ridge tile atop the newest part of Naomi House. It is much more than a tile as it represents years of planning, hard work and dedication by the many people involved in bringing this moment to be - most importantly the generous individuals, companies, trusts and groups who have come together to support us and the children, young people and families we serve.

Thank you everyone who has helped so far and please help us reach our target to complete the works for the summer of next year.

The 4m project includes the creation of nearly 1,000 square metres of new living areas, play spaces and family accommodation. Plans also include increasing the size of bedrooms by one third, the creation of a new bereavement room and garden of reflection, creation of a sensory therapy room and spaces for messy play and music therapy.

For the first time, Naomi House will be joined to its sister hospice, Jacksplace, by a bridge. This will allow children to make use of the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool at the charity's hospice for young adults.

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Presenter helps hospice mark major milestone