THE opening of a new children's hospice in Worcester for life-limited children has moved a major step closer following the official hand-over of the 10-bed unit.

After 14 months on site in Bath Road, near the city centre, the contractors have now handed over the building to Acorns Children's Hospice.

This means that the charity is now totally responsible for the completion of the project and the promise of residential care for 250 life-limited children from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

"For everyone involved this is a hugely exciting time," said Acorns' chief executive John Overton.

"Our care team is now in the process of turning this beautiful building into a warm, welcoming, home-from-home environment in readiness for the arrival of the first children.

"Curtains can now be hung, pictures put on the walls and cupboards crammed with games and toys.

"It's a fantastic achievement to have got this far and is due, in no small part, to the wonderful support that people have given us since we launched our fund-raising appeal back in April 2001.

"Their support has been unstinting and means so much to the local children and families who will benefit from the specialist palliative care that the new hospice will provide alongside expanding our services in the community."

Invited to see

In the weeks leading up to the hospice opening, volunteers, donors and supporters will be invited to see what they have helped to create first hand.

In February, families will make short visits so they can get used to the building and really put the hospice through its paces - beds will be jumped on, hoists used for the first time, and the kitchen will provide lunches and snacks.

On Tuesday, March 1 most of the 40-strong nursing and care team will arrive for two weeks' training and induction at the new hospice.

Then on Monday, March 14, the first children and families will arrive for respite, emergency and terminal care.

But with £250,000 still needed to complete the furbishing of the hospice and it costing £4,000 a day to run, the charity still needs to raise vital funds.

To make a donation or fund-raise for Acorns, call 01386 554848 or visit www.acorns.org.uk