Former England boss to open new-look hospice

A Yorkshire children’s hospice is preparing to open its redeveloped home following a £21.9 million transformation designed to support families for generations to come.

Martin House Children’s Hospice, in Boston Spa, will officially open its new-look building this Friday (June 5), with ambassador Sir Gareth Southgate carrying out the ribbon cutting.

The event marks the completion of THE BUILD, a major redevelopment project created to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across Yorkshire.

The scheme has modernised and expanded the hospice, adding specialist facilities for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families.

New spaces include a hydrotherapy pool, immersive sensory room, recording studio and enhanced clinical areas, alongside a new children’s wing and refurbished teenage wing.

A new Education Centre has also been created to expand specialist palliative care training across the region.

Work began in autumn 2023 following a major public fundraising appeal, with the redevelopment reflecting the changing needs of children receiving hospice care as clinical advances help young people live longer with increasingly complex conditions.

Clair Holdsworth, chief executive at Martin House, said: “The launch event is going to be an incredibly emotional and proud moment for everyone connected to Martin House.

“THE BUILD is so much more than bricks and mortar. 

“It’s about creating a modern, family-focused hospice that matches the extraordinary quality of care our teams provide every day. 

“Children, young people and families will now experience a more spacious, welcoming and state-of-the-art environment, designed to support them in the best possible way.

“We would never have reached this moment without the incredible support of people, businesses and communities across Yorkshire.

“Demand for children’s palliative care continues to grow, with more children living longer with increasingly complex conditions. 

“THE BUILD ensures Martin House can continue adapting to those needs and supporting even more families across Yorkshire when they need us most.”

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate added: “Seeing firsthand the difference Martin House makes for children – giving them somewhere to escape and feel supported – has really stayed with me. 

“It’s that personal, tailored care that makes it so powerful.

“I have huge admiration for the work they do for children, families, and the wider Yorkshire community. 

“The hospice is a vital support for local families, and it genuinely transforms the lives of young people with life-shortening conditions every single day.”

Each year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people across West, North and East Yorkshire, as well as around 200 bereaved family members.

Its services are provided free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with most funding coming from voluntary donations and fundraising.

Long-term supporter HARIBO UK acted as headline sponsor of THE BUILD, with staff taking part in events including charity zipwires and the Leeds Dragon Boat Race.

Phil Murphy, chief marketing officer at HARIBO UK, added: “HARIBO has been privileged to support Martin House throughout this transformational project, helping create a hospice that will provide the care children and young people across Yorkshire deserve.

“We’ve called Yorkshire our home for more than 50 years, so it means a great deal to contribute to such an important local charity through our long-term partnership. 

“Together, we’ve helped create a lasting legacy that will transform lives, create precious memories, and allow the families that Martin House support to enjoy some moments of joy together, now and for years to come.” 

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