Plans have been unveiled for the first children's hospice in north Wales, following the recent announcement that �1m of funds had been raised for the project.

The five-bed unit will allow terminally-ill children and their families to receive respite care much closer to home, saving them the journey to Hope House in Oswestry.

Organisers Nuala O'Kane and Sarah Kearsley-Wooller at the launch

Work at the former Conwy Valley Nurseries site, near Ty'n-y-Groes, near Conwy, is expected to begin in spring 2003.

The hospice is due to open a year later.

A target of �2m has been set to pay for the building and furnishing of the hospice - called Ty Gobaith yng Nghymru - Hope House in Wales.

It is estimated that it will then cost around �300,000 a year to run the hospice - up to 95% of which will be raised by the fundraising team.

Sarah Kearsley-Wooller, who has spearheaded the campaign, said the location was perfect.

"When parents have to prepare to receive the worst possible news then the setting is important."

"The terrific views and the tranquil environment do make a big difference.

"The beauty of this spot is that it is very peaceful yet still close to the larger towns and their facilities," she said.

"The support we've receive from the people of north Wales has been nothing short of phenomenal and we hope this continues so that we can hit the �2m mark."

Homely atmosphere

The hospice will cover three acres of land and afford views of the Conwy valley.

We want to banish any institutional feeling and create a warm comfortable atmosphere Fundraiser Nuala O'Kane

The aim is to create a homely atmosphere, as fundraiser Nuala O'Kane explained.

"We hope the hospice will be similar to a large family house with the emphasis on the children having fun and enjoying themselves," she said.

"Many of those who will need to visit the hospice are children who will have spent a great deal of time in and out of hospitals.

"As a result we want to banish any institutional feeling that might prevail and create a warm comfortable atmosphere," said Ms O'Kane.

Ms Kearsley-Wooller added that she started campaigning for Hope House and then for Ty Gobaith following the death of her three-year-old son Matthew 10 years ago.

"Now that things are going so well I look forward to the opening of the hospice so that some good will have come from little Matthew's short life."