Open day reveals Hampshire hospice's incredible work
HUNDREDS of people have joined a celebration marking the 21st anniversary of a children's hospice which tends to some of the county's poorliest young people.
More than 500 people joined the first Naomi House & Jacksplace open day in three years to mark the milestone occasion.
The Hampshire hospices, which offer care and support to life limited and life threatened children and young adults from across the south gave the public the rare opportunity to look around the state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the medically complex care that takes place 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The facility, based in Winchester but is used by youngsters from across the Portsmouth area, staged a day of family fun, including live entertainment, refreshments and face-painting.
Mark Smith, chief executive of Naomi House & Jacksplace, said:Â '˜I am delighted that so many people came to support us and look around our fantastic facilities.
'˜It was a great pleasure for everyone at Naomi House to welcome so many supporters to our hospices and show them just what their fabulous efforts have helped to create and maintain over 21 years of care.'
Since the hospice first opened its doors in 1997, they have cared for 1,144 families across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight. The charity is currently caring for 325 children and young adults with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions.
Â