Steve Rotheram – Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City region visited Woodlands Hospice recently to ‘cut the first sod’ of a new Children’s and Young People’s Pavilion in the gardens of the hospice.

During his visit he had the opportunity to meet some of the children and families who will benefit from the pavilion.  Following the ‘cutting of the first sod’ Steve shared tea and cake with the families, Crossfield Construction representatives who will be building the pavilion and members of the hospice team.

Steve said:  “I was delighted to be asked to be part of this important project by way of ‘cutting the first sod’ and, as part of my ongoing commitment to Woodlands, I am keen to support the project as it progresses further”. 

The hospice Children’s and Young People’s Pavilion project has sparked off a great deal of interest with 14 different funders contributing to the overall scheme.   

The children and young people who will benefit from this important facility have been involved in the design of the build and furnishings for the pavilion with the guidance and support of hospice staff. The plans include a mural for the main wall within the building, and the hospice will have the support of a local artist to help turn the young people’s mural design into reality.

The project includes a brick built planter next to the pavilion which will house a time capsule. The young people have been making approaches for items to include in the capsule.  Steve Rotheram has been keen to watch this project grow and as a former bricklayer has kindly agreed to build the planter. 

The eventual name of the pavilion is also being coordinated by the young people who have been running a competition in the Hospice for a name for the building, and they are currently judging the entries.

Rose Milnes, Chief Executive at Woodlands Hospice said: “We are delighted that work is now underway and whilst this is a small building it is a very important facility for the children and young people who access the family support services. To have their own space in an adult Hospice is so important to them.  We would like to thank all those who have contributed funding towards the pavilion making this project possible”.

David Cain, Director of Crossfield Construction said: “We are delighted to be building the new pavilion for Woodlands Hospice. Woodlands is a wonderful place close to the hearts of many of us at Crossfield and our ongoing partnership is something we are tremendously proud of.”