Claire House Children's Hospice has received a wave of support from Merseyside celebrities after planning permission was granted for a new children's hospice in Liverpool. The planning permission marks a major milestone in plans to transform Claire House's existing West Derby site into a full children's hospice, bringing specialist 24/7 care, including respite and end-of-life care, closer to home for families across Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
Celebrity Support
Among the well-known names backing the hospice are Wayne and Coleen Rooney. Coleen's sister, Rosie, was supported by the hospice. The Rooneys were joined by Everton FC's Merlin Rohl and Courtney Brosnan, boxer Tony Bellew, actors Claire Sweeney and Suzanne Collins, Mowgli founder Nisha Katona, photographer Mike McCartney, and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram. Hollyoaks star Anna Passey read the newspaper on the nearby Lime Pictures set, while cast members from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, currently performing at the Liverpool Empire, also joined in.
Planning Milestone
The hospice was given the former Carmelite Monastery site in West Derby in 2017 and has since carried out minor internal refurbishment to areas on the ground floor to make it functional and usable for day-care facilities for families and children. For many families, distance has long been one of the biggest barriers to accessing hospice care when they need it most. Long journeys to the charity's Wirral hospice have often meant families spending precious time travelling, rather than being together.
Chief Executive's Statement
David Pastor, Claire House chief executive, 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.”
Campaign Awareness
Broadcaster Pete Price, a long-time supporter of Claire House, appeared in a special video marking the moment. The film showed people reading the newspaper across the city, from busy streets and cafes to some of Liverpool’s best-known landmarks. Meanwhile, much-loved actor Ricky Tomlinson also sent a video message reading the special edition from his famous armchair, helping to raise awareness. The charity hopes the campaign will raise awareness of its plans and inspire even more people to get behind the project as it moves closer to becoming a reality.
