Supporters who helped save Liverpool Zoe’s Place from closure two years ago have been given their first look inside the new Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice, which is set to open in April 2027.
Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice welcomed fundraisers, supporters and community representatives to its new home at Hayman’s Green in West Derby on Friday 30 October, offering a glimpse of the purpose-built facility taking shape.
The special visit formed part of the charity’s Lighting the Way, Building Hope campaign and marked two years since the remarkable fundraising effort that saved Liverpool Zoe’s Place, now known as Little Lights, from closure.
Among those attending were community fundraisers who supported the charity in 2024, longstanding supporters, corporate partners, local representatives and Little Lights patron Ian Byrne MP.
New Little Lights Liverpool hospice taking shape in West Derby
Guests were given guided tours of the construction site, providing an opportunity to see the progress being made on the new hospice and learn more about the specialist facilities being developed for babies and young children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
The new building is being constructed by Liverpool-based firm Krol Corlett, with additional support from other local businesses.
Scheduled to open in April 2027, the hospice will feature a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, eight bedrooms and overnight accommodation for families.
These facilities will provide opportunities for children to enjoy specialist therapies, play and receive personalised care, while offering comfort and practical support to their families.
Visitors also learned about the specialist equipment that Little Lights Liverpool still needs to fund before the new hospice opens.
Liverpool community praised for saving vital hospice
Ian Byrne MP, patron of Little Lights, praised the generosity and determination of the Liverpool community.
He said:
“To see construction of the new hospice so far along is absolutely incredible. Two years ago, our community came together because it could not imagine Liverpool without this vital service. Today, we can see what that determination and generosity have made possible.
“None of this would have happened without the people of Liverpool and beyond. Every fundraiser, every donation and every person who stood behind the charity has helped build this future. They should feel immensely proud.”
Christian Logue, CEO of Little Lights, said the new building represents an exciting chapter for the charity, its staff and the families it supports.
He said:
“There is so much excitement among our staff, families and the children we care for as we look forward to moving into our new home. Seeing these spaces take shape brings us another step closer to everything this hospice will make possible.
“Our purpose-built home will allow us to care for even more children and families, with specialist facilities designed around their needs. Welcoming back some of the people who helped secure our future was a wonderful opportunity to thank them and show them the difference their support continues to make.”
Little Lights Liverpool launches appeal for monthly supporters
As construction progresses, Little Lights Liverpool is encouraging people across Merseyside and beyond to become a Little Lights Guardian.
The initiative invites supporters to make regular monthly donations, helping the charity secure dependable income and continue delivering specialist care to children and their families.
Donations of £5 or £10 a month can contribute towards the charity’s long-term future and help ensure families have somewhere to turn when they need support.
Christian added:
“If you supported us two years ago, thank you. You helped save this hospice. We would love you to stay alongside us as we begin its next chapter.
“Becoming a Little Lights Guardian is a simple way to help every month. That ongoing support will help us continue caring for children and families in our new home, giving them somewhere to turn when they need us.”
Local Liverpool businesses help bring hospice vision to life
Construction company Krol Corlett has been overseeing work on the new hospice, bringing its experience of healthcare developments to the project.
Simon Krol, of Krol Corlett, said:
“As a local resident I know how proud people are of the work and support provided by Little Lights, and it has been a pleasure to be able to play our part in its progress. We have brought all our expertise in building healthcare facilities to bear, and staff, parents and supporters can look forward to an outstanding facility when it opens.”
With the new Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice expected to open in April 2027, the charity is continuing to build on the extraordinary community support that secured its future two years ago.
Anyone wishing to become a Little Lights Guardian or find out more about supporting the charity can visit the website.
