FAMILIES, supporters and staff at Acorns' new hospice for children throughout the three counties of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire were celebrating this week over a major milestone in the £4 million building project.

The hospice, at 350 Bath Road, Worcester was 'topped out' on Tuesday by Worcester Rugby Football Club coach, Andy Keast.

He will be joined by ten year old William and Daisy Elt, aged 8. Their mother, Liz Elt, originally wrote to millionaire, Cecil Duckworth, asking him to support an Acorns' mothers group. It was this letter that triggered Mr Duckworth's interest in Acorns and that, in turn, was a catalyst for a children's hospice for the Three Counties. The state-of-the art hospice, which is being built by Speller-Metcalfe, is to be completed by the end of November 2004 and will welcome families early next year. It will have 10-bedrooms including an adolescent wing, accommodation for families, a hydrotherapy pool, and landscaped gardens.

A community team, which is already supporting more than 80 families from the Three Counties, will also be based at the hospice.

Head nurse, Angela Mercer, said: "It is exciting to see the roof going on the building now and I can start to imagine what it will be like to have children and families staying here.

"But it is currently a shell and there is a huge task ahead as we turn this building into a comfortable home-from-home. We still need to raise £0.8million to fully equip and furnish the hospice and to recruit and induct and experienced and caring staff team. To find out more about the hospice or to make a donation please call 01905 767676 or visit www.acorns.org.uk.