Catherine Louise TurnerFormer England boss Sir Gareth Southgate has officially opened the newly upgraded Martin House Children’s Hospice, marking the end of a huge £21.9 million project called “THE BUILD”.
The big makeover at the Boston Spa site means the charity can now offer much better, modern care for children and young people across the region.
Because of medical advances, children with serious illnesses are thankfully living longer, meaning their medical needs are becoming a lot more complex. This project was all about making sure the hospice is ready for that future.
A Long-time Supporter
Sir Gareth’s connection with Martin House goes back years – even before he took the England job. He first got involved by volunteering to play Father Christmas at a festive party, and he has been a proud ambassador ever since. He launched the public fundraising campaign for this upgrade back in April 2024.
Speaking at the grand opening, Sir Gareth talked about why the hospice means so much to him:
“Seeing firsthand the difference Martin House makes for children- giving them somewhere to escape and feel supported – has really stayed with me. It’s that personal, tailored care that makes it so powerful.
What’s Inside the New Build?
The massive project has completely transformed the building, creating space that feels much more welcoming for families:
Kids’ Wing: Nine bedrooms with a lovely woodland theme. They’ve also put in built-in oxygen points, so families don’t have to lug heavy oxygen canisters around anymore.
Teenagers’ Wing: Six bedrooms designed specifically to give older kids their own independence. It has a social space, a gaming area, and even a proper recording studio.
Wellbeing Space: A brand-new area featuring a hydrotherapy pool, sensory pools, and a fully immersive cinema room.
Training Centre: A specialised hub to help train the next generation of doctors and nurses in children’s palliative care.
Powered by the Community
Raising £21.9 million is no small feat, and it was mostly paid for by amazing public donations, corporate sponsors, and local families.
HARIBO UK: Stepped up as the headline corporate partner, with employees taking on charity zip lines and the Leeds Dragon Boat Race to bring in vital funds.
Phil Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer at Haribo UK said: “Haribo has been privileged to support Martin House throughout this transformational project, helping create a hospice that will provide the care children and young people across Yorkshire deserve”.
The Lambert Family: Through “Team Evelyn,” parents Michael and Caroline Lambert have raised over £120,000 for Martin House in memory of their baby daughter. Their incredible fundraising journey includes conquering the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, running marathons and walking all the way from Liverpool to Leeds.
Public Appeals: Thousands of local people across Yorkshire backed the campaign through community events, donation drives, and independent challenges.
A Vital Safety Net
Every single year, Martin House helps more than 550 children with life-shortening conditions, as well as supporting 200 bereaved family members. It runs 24/7, 365 days a year, and is completely free for families to use, which costs around 13 million annually.
Clair Holdsworth, the Chief Executive of Martin House, said “THE BUILD is so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a modern, family-focused hospice that matches the extraordinary quality of care our teams provide every day. Children, young people and families will now experience a more spacious, welcoming and state-of-the-art environment, designed to support them in the best possible way.”
As the celebration ends, the focus shifts from bricks and mortar to the vital care happening inside. This £21.9 million upgrade stands as a lasting monument to community spirit, corporate backing, and the incredible grit of local families. With Sir Gareth Southgate’s support and these modern facilities now open, Martin House is ready for the future. Most importantly, it guarantees that Yorkshire families will always have a warm, safe sanctuary when they need it most.
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