A HOSPICE has marked the start of building of a new in-patient unit with an official ground-breaking ceremony.

Willow Burn Hospice, based in Lanchester, County Durham, was given a £1.5m donation by entrepreneur and philanthropist Helen McArdle to kickstart the work

Assistant clinical lead Margaret Webb, who has been working at as a nurse at the hospice for 25 years, said: “The staff are very excited about the new build and the opportunity to work in such a specialised facility. We will however be quite sad to close the doors on the original unit where we have cared for so many patients and their families over the years. “

Also in attendance was Mary Moody who has been a volunteer at Willow Burn since 1992 and North West Durham MP Laura Pidcock.

|Mrs Moody said: “After 26 years of yearning for a new building we are finally getting one. I just want to live to see it completed, it’s all I want for the people of Derwentside.”

Willow Burn Hospice would like to thank everyone who has supported them over the last 29 years and look forward to this new stage in our journey.

Anyone who would like to support the new build should contact the team on 01207 523900.