Spades in the ground to begin developing £12.75m hospice
Work has begun on creation of a £12.75m hospice in Calderdale thanks to a half a million pound cash boost from a local firm.
Caravan Guard has donated more than £500,000 to the project to fund five of the new rooms, meaning work can now get under way.
Supported by TV writer Sally Wainwright, the project will see a dedicated 16-bed hospice built within the existing grounds at Overgate in Halifax.
Detailed plans were first revealed almost a year ago. Now, family-run Marshall Construction of Elland will begin construction of the property.
Run by CEO Simon Marshall, it was his late father, Chris, who was at the helm back in the 1990s when the original hospice was first built by the same company.
Hospice bosses hope the new centre can be completed within the next 18 months.
Laura Wilby, associate director at Caravan Guard, said: “Overgate Hospice is a charity close to our hearts, so when given the chance to help create a centre fit for the future, we had to be involved.
“Our company’s support of Overgate began after a personal experience of the care they provide, and it has just naturally grown and grown – to the point where our staff jump at the chance to get behind any Overgate fundraising initiative.”
The current hospice, which is over 30 years old, accommodates 12 beds in shared bays. The new centre will mean the existing building can be repurposed to create a larger, refurbished day hospice accommodating more people than ever before.
Tracey Wilcocks, chief executive of Overgate Hospice, said: “To break ground after years of planning and fundraising is both a surreal and moving moment.
“It makes it real when you see diggers preparing to move in. What’s really important is that people can see it’s actually happening.
“Very soon, the new hospice will begin to take shape and we will turn our dream into a reality – creating a state-of-the-art centre for all our patients and families.
“The generosity of so many people and firms has been both moving and humbling. Caravan Guard’s donation is just unbelievable and we can’t thank them enough.”
The hospice’s Big Build Appeal is still live to ensure it hit its fundraising target.
Huddersfield-born writer and producer, Sally Wainwright, is a supporter of the hospice and added: “Every life is a narrative, with chapters both joyous and challenging.
“The Overgate Hospice Big Build Appeal offers us an opportunity to ensure that every story, even amidst its most difficult moments, is met with compassion and care.
“By supporting this vital cause, we’re not just constructing a building – we’re building a haven where families in Calderdale can find comfort and support during their toughest times.”
