Hospice appeal to help fund £1.8m redevelopment

A hospice in Staffordshire has launched a public appeal to help raise funds for a major redevelopment.

Work on the £1.8m project at Katharine House Hospice's inpatient unit in Stafford started earlier in May.

Services for patients accessing palliative and end-of-life care have been temporarily moved to the town's County Hospital.

The hospice said it hoped it could raise funds to help with "demand for increased operational and construction costs".

The works include partial demolition of the existing older building and a new, modernised 2,200 sq ft extension.

Once complete, it will provide 10 modern bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, along with improved access to the hospice gardens.

David Fletcher, interim chief executive at the hospice, said: "This project is about much more than bricks and mortar.

"It is about creating a calm, private and dignified environment for local people and their families when they need hospice care most."

He said support through donations was "essential", with construction, energy and operational costs rising.

"Every donation will help us deliver this vital investment in hospice care for Stafford and the surrounding areas," he added.

The project will be funded through a mix of grants, long-term income and community support.

Kelly Day, senior fundraiser at Katharine House Hospice, said: "This is a crucial moment for our hospice.

"We're asking our community to get behind the campaign and be part of something that will make a lasting difference to local families."

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