Families left "heartbroken" as children's hospice makes shock closure announcement
Zoe's Place says it will work with families to find alternative care provision
Last updated 8th Oct 2024
Families have told Hits Radio of their "shock" and "heartbreak" following the announcement that children's hospice Zoe's Place will close by the end of the year.
The hospice had been hoping to raise money for a new building, with just nine months left on the lease for it's current home in West Derby.
Despite planning permission being approved last month, Zoe's Place announced on Monday night that it would have to shut its doors.
In a statement, it 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".
"I just don't know what we'll do"
Kirsty's three-year-old daughter Lottie has cerebral palsy and relies on Zoe's Place for vital hydrotherapy treatment.
She said: "I just don't know what we're going to do, where we'll get respite now, how we'll get support."
"It's not just Lottie, it's the whole family. I don't know how we're going to get the hydrotherapy treatment, which isn't offered anywhere else".
On Hits Radio Breakfast with Leanne and Joel this morning, listeners were getting in touch sharing the impact Zoe's Place has had on them, as well as Demi who works there:
Fundraisers who are planning challenges to support the hospice are also questioning their next moves.
Comedian Adam Rowe, who hosts the Have A Word podcast, is planning a bike round around India this winter for Zoe's Place.
He said he is "absolutely devastated" by the news, but his challenge is "still going ahead" for now.
Meanwhile, MP Ian Byrne said he is planning to meet the team at Zoe's Place in the coming days, to see if "anything can be done" to save the hospice.