A baby hospice that opened nearly 30 years ago says it will close its doors at the end of the year.Zoe’s Place had hoped to build a new £3.5m hospice close to its current location in Yew Tree Lane, Liverpool.However, a statement from the trustees said: "The time taken to get planning permission has left insufficient time to construct the building."In addition, a significant rise in the projected costs and the challenge of raising funding in the current economic climate means there are insufficient funds available."'Such sad news'Planning permission for the new hospice was granted last month.The trustees said the decision had been made "with great sadness", adding "with only nine months before the charity’s lease for Yew Tree Lane ends, there is insufficient time and money to relocate to a new home elsewhere".Joan Stainsby, executive trustee, said: "We are sorry to be sharing such sad news with those who Zoe's Place Liverpool has supported, and our staff and supporters."Liverpool was where Zoe’s Place originated and will always be close to our hearts."She added: "This has been an incredibly difficult decision and one that we have worked tirelessly to avoid. Unfortunately, there are simply no other options available to us."The charity said it would work closely with parents to find alternative support and discussions had been held with Claire House, in Bebbington, Wirral, which also has a children’s hospice, and the local NHS.Currently, Zoe's Place can house four children under the age of five - the new venue would have housed six.'Gift of life'The hospice was founded in 1995 by Prof Jack Scarisbrick, as an offshoot of his work with the anti-abortion group Life, which he founded.Prof Scarisbrick identified that many babies and infants with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families were in need of specialist facilities where children could receive respite or palliative care.The name Zoe’s Place was chosen since "zoe" is the Greek word meaning "gift of life".The hospice, in the West Derby district of Liverpool, opened in February 1995 with two more following - in Middlesbrough in 2004 and Coventry in 2011.A Zoe's Place spokesman said these would not be affected by the closure of the Liverpool hospice.
How Liverpool is pulling together to try and save Zoe's PlaceComedy shows, inspiring runs and a massive petition are all part of the city's mission to save 'vital' baby hospiceLiverpool is pulling together to try and save a much-loved baby hospice from closure. The city was shocked this week at news that cherished hospice Zoe's Place in West Derby is set to shut its doors before the end of the year.The hugely loved centre in Yew Tree Lane provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care for babies and children up to the age of five. Devastated staff and families of children being cared for at Zoe's Place were told the news on Monday.In an announcement, the hospice said: "It is with great sadness that Zoe’s Place trustees have to announce that their Liverpool hospice will close at the end of 2024. With only nine months before the charity’s lease for Yew Tree Lane ends, there is insufficient time and money to relocate to a new home elsewhere."Before this week's shocking announcement, Zoe's Place, which also has sites in Coventry and Middlesbrough, had been fundraising for a new home for its Liverpool hospice, with the lease on its current site due to end next year. A huge crowdfunding campaign had already raised more than £1.25 million, with donations pouring in since the news of the closure broke.Since Monday's announcement, Liverpool has pulled together in its attempts to try and save Zoe's Place. Liverpool comedian Adam Rowe and the Hot Water Comedy have rapidly put together a special fundraiser comedy show featuring John Bishop and Jason Manford to be held at the Blackstock Market venue on October 28. The event sold out in a matter of hours on Tuesday evening, with nearly £18,000 donated to the Zoe's Place campaign.Individuals have also been working on their own fundraising efforts for Zoe's Place. Anthony Demellweek, 10, is doing a sponsored run in aid of the hospice. Anthony's little sister, Amelia, six, has complex needs. She has cerebral palsy, scoliosis and epilepsy, leaving her unable to walk or talk. Anthony and Amelia's mum, Faye, is a full-time carer for Amelia and sees Zoe's Place as a lifeline.She said: "When I left the hospital with Amelia, they taught me how to look after her. They're amazing. A lot of families will suffer when they go." Over the next month, Anthony is aiming to run 48 miles in aid of Zoe's Place. He will do 20 separate runs, starting at his home in Croxteth and finishing at Zoe's Place in West Derby. You can contribute to his fundraising page here.A new petition has been created on Change.org, which at the time of writing on Wednesday afternoon had already amassed 4,000 signatures. The petition is crammed with messages from families who have relied upon Zoe's Place for their children.While all these fundraising efforts are ongoing, there has been very little said by Zoe's Place bosses about whether they believe the Liverpool centre can actually be saved. The ECHO has asked numerous questions about the current situation at the charity and whether there is a viable chance of retaining the hospice. We have also asked what will happen to the money already raised for the Liverpool centre if it does in fact close. No one from Zoe's Place has responded over a number of days now.A number of Liverpool councillors from the West Derby constituency have asked for a special meeting to discuss the future of Zoe's Place. The elected members want the council to agree to urgently seek advice from the government and to continue to support fundraising efforts to allow the hospice to continue its vital services.
Horrible news to hear isn't itHaven't they said they require a building not money? Much harder to find! Even if they raise all the money to build a new centre they will need to shut for a period while that build happens
https://xcancel.com/IanByrneMP/status/1844391332506161492One month to raise £5m and build a new centre in West DerbyLet's hope some big donations are made
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/home-bargains-pledges-huge-25-30245443£2.5mil from TJ Morris! amazing.
Just come across this on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvzd-48wxFYComedy night in aid of Zoe's Place. Jason Manford has just been on. Interval at the moment.
It's a shame the clubs haven't put their hands in their pockets. I'm not counting the former players group fundraising either. The TJ Morris donation has practically dragged the thing across the line now considering more fundraising events are still to happen, what LFC and EFC would need to chip in is practically pennies. Amazed neither has tried for even the positive PR it'd bring.
Yeah really disappointing from the club and players a couple of mil is pocket change for both, especially considering they use it for photo ops.
Aye, they could have helped out from the start but if some is still needed by the end hopefully they will. If Bill Kenwright was still alive I reckon he'd have chipped in quite heavily.The work that general civilians have done in fundraising efforts and donations has been incredible and showcased the generosity of people in the city. Many from outside Liverpool too donating through the comedy nights or stuff like the Redmen TV done on their stream. Fair play all round.
Only annoying thing is that it was a £6m target because Just Giving takes 20% so they've made themselves a cool £1m and Zoe's place get the £5m they need.
Brilliant news, pity the club and players did fuck all.
Because they’re removed from reality.
I don't think so Craig, the big needle movers were clearly labeled, young lads with the clothing store donated £106k thats amazing.
