St Wilfrid's new hospice home moves a big step closer thanks to community support

A major fundraising milestone has just been reached in the bid to build St Wilfrid's a new hospice home.
Staff celebrating St Wilfrid's 30th birthday and the launch of Dreambuilding in January. Pic Steve Robards SR1637736 SUS-170701-160123001Staff celebrating St Wilfrid's 30th birthday and the launch of Dreambuilding in January. Pic Steve Robards SR1637736 SUS-170701-160123001
Staff celebrating St Wilfrid's 30th birthday and the launch of Dreambuilding in January. Pic Steve Robards SR1637736 SUS-170701-160123001

Thanks to a huge response from the Chichester community, the much-loved charity has hit the 80 per cent target – in the nick of time.

A £50,000 grant from Chichester District Council, agreed earlier this month, has helped push closer to the Dreambuilding £15.5m figure needed for the new hospice in Bosham.

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St Wilfrid’s chief executive Alison Moorey said: “We are acutely aware that there are increasing financial pressures upon local councils, therefore we are incredibly grateful to the cabinet for choosing to put their full support behind our project.

Artist's impression of what the new St Wilfrid's hospice in Bosham will look likeArtist's impression of what the new St Wilfrid's hospice in Bosham will look like
Artist's impression of what the new St Wilfrid's hospice in Bosham will look like

“This grant comes at a particularly fortuitous time and takes us just over our target of 80 per cent, which we needed to reach before March 31.”

Since launching its Dreambuilding fundraising campaign on January 5, the local community has really got behind St Wilfrid’s to help staff raise the remaining £4m needed to create a new, purpose-built hospice.

The current facility in Donnington, built in 1987, can no longer cope with the growing demand for the expert end-of-life care St Wilfrid’s provide, at its hospice and in the community.

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Individuals and businesses have been quick to respond with offers to run all sorts of events, including an arts and crafts sale, bridge teas and even a dog show.

St Wilfrid's 30th birthday, so a celebration and launch is taking place at the site of the new hospice, Oakcroft Nursery, Walton Lane, Bosham, PO18 8QB. Pic Steve Robards SR1637758 SUS-170701-160222001St Wilfrid's 30th birthday, so a celebration and launch is taking place at the site of the new hospice, Oakcroft Nursery, Walton Lane, Bosham, PO18 8QB. Pic Steve Robards SR1637758 SUS-170701-160222001
St Wilfrid's 30th birthday, so a celebration and launch is taking place at the site of the new hospice, Oakcroft Nursery, Walton Lane, Bosham, PO18 8QB. Pic Steve Robards SR1637758 SUS-170701-160222001

Mrs Moorey added: “There is still some way to go to make our dream become a reality, with a further £3 million still left to raise.”

There are a number of Dreambuilding events coming up.

On Saturday, March 25, from 10.30am to 5.30pm, Fishbourne Loves Books will see four fantastic authors share their works.

On Thursday, March 30 at 7.30pm, accomplished local author Isabel Ashdown hosts an evening of readings at St John’s Church, Southbourne.

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The Chichester branch of the Embroiders’ Guild will also be selling beautiful and unique stitched items at Draper Yard, next to Clothkits in Chichester, on Saturday, April 29.

For full details of how to support the Dreambuilding appeal visit www.dreambuilding.org.uk

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