A host of famous faces from across Merseyside have shown their support for Claire House Children’s Hospice after the charity secured planning permission for its ambitious plans to transform its West Derby site into a new Liverpool children’s hospice.
The landmark decision marks a major step forward in creating a full children’s hospice in the city, providing specialist 24/7 care closer to home for families across Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
To celebrate the announcement, Claire House took to Liverpool city centre this week to share thousands of special one-off editions of the Claire House News, highlighting the next chapter in the charity’s history.
The campaign saw celebrities, public figures and supporters across the city come together to raise awareness of the plans and encourage more people to support the project.
Liverpool Celebrities Support Claire House Hospice Plans
Former Everton striker and England captain Wayne Rooney helped spread the message to millions of people after sharing a photograph of himself with a copy of the special newspaper.
His wife Coleen, whose sister Rosie was supported by Claire House, also shared the announcement with her followers.
The pair were joined by a number of well-known Merseyside names, including Everton FC players Merlin Rohl and Courtney Brosnan, boxing legend Tony Bellew, actors Claire Sweeney and Suzanne Collins, content creator Ryan Hall, Mowgli founder Nisha Katona, photographer Mike McCartney and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
Hollyoaks star Anna Passey also supported the campaign by reading the newspaper on the Lime Pictures set, while members of the cast from Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Liverpool Empire and local radio presenters backed the announcement.
Much-loved Liverpool actor Ricky Tomlinson shared a video message reading the newspaper from his famous armchair.
New West Derby Hospice Could Transform Care For Families
The plans will see Claire House’s existing West Derby site transformed into a full children’s hospice, helping families access specialist care without needing to travel outside Liverpool.
The new hospice would provide vital support including respite care, end-of-life care and wider specialist services for children with complex medical conditions and their families.
Claire House Chief Executive David Pastor said:
“This is a hugely exciting moment for children and families across Liverpool and beyond.
“Securing planning permission brings us one step closer to creating a full children’s hospice in Liverpool and ensuring families can access specialist care closer to home.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from people across the city.
“From celebrities and radio presenters to students, businesses, tour guides and members of the public, so many people have helped us spread the news.
“Their support will help even more families learn about the difference this vital project will make.”
Claire House Calls For Continued Support
Copies of the special Claire House News were distributed across Liverpool city centre, with members of the public stopping to celebrate the announcement and share their support.
The charity hopes the campaign will encourage more people to get behind the project as work continues towards delivering a new children’s hospice for Liverpool.
Claire House is continuing to raise awareness of the importance of bringing hospice care closer to families in the city, with the charity highlighting that “the extra mile counts” for children who need specialist support.
You can read the newspaper here.
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