St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield needs £5 million to rebuild and modernise, or it could be closed down.
The Star is backing the appeal and we have pledge to raise £100,000 ourselves to help rebuild the hospice’s inpatient unit. The money will fund one of new en-suite rooms at the hospice.
St Luke’s is essential for the 1,500 terminally-ill patients it treats in Sheffield every year, giving them peace and care in their final days.
But now, 41 years after its foundation, it risks being closed down if it does not take drastic action.
Facilities at the hospice in Whirlow, are ‘tired’, ‘aged’ and failing to meet ‘current best practice guidance’, according to the latest Care Quality Commission inspection.
And Peter Hartland, chief executive of the charity, is worried inspectors might force the hospice to close if it does not start its redevelopment soon.
That’s why, despite a difficult economic climate, the charity is pushing ahead with plans to turn the 20-bed hospice into a modern set of single en-suite bedrooms.
Builders will move onto the site on Little Common Lane in June, with doors at the modern new facility due to open just over a year later, in August 2013.
Money for the £5.5m redevelopment bill needs to be found on top of the £4m St Luke’s has to raise each year just to stay open.
Star editor Jeremy Clifford said: “The Star has a long association with St Luke’s, which is held dearly in the hearts of generations of Sheffield people.
“This appeal is vital for helping ensure the future of the excellent care the charity provides for people at the end of their lives.
“We are determined to do what we can to help, which is why we have pledged to raise £100,000 for St Luke’s over the next two years.
“We hope our readers will do everything they can to help us achieve that goal.”
For more information about the appeal go to www.thestar.co.uk.