Ten years ago, The Northern Echo helped launch a campaign to build a children's hospice in memory of Princess Diana. A decade on, the hospice needs your help. Claire Burbage reports

THE Northern Echo and Butterwick Hospice today launch a campaign to raise £750,000 to build a new centre.

The Put Your Foot In It campaign calls on individuals and companies to pay for a square foot of space in the new building, which will expand much-needed services and support.

The fundraising initiative will enable Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton, to create a new building that will cover 5,400sq ft, covering two floors, providing more counselling rooms for adults and a play area for work with children.

More individual therapy rooms will also be created, along with a large area for group therapy sessions.

But although planning permission has been granted, the hospice cannot start building work until the £750,000 is in the bank.

The hospice is known for its success in complementary therapies in palliative care.

In its first year, the hospice provided more than 200 treatments.

Last year, it increased to 4,000.

Requests for help from the hospice counselling services, which have been invaluable to many local families over the years, have also increased.

Because of the increase in demand, dedicated areas are needed to expand provision for family support, counselling and advice for children and adults and for complementary therapy. Space is also needed for the development of new group therapies.

Those who support the campaign will be featured on the hospice website, where they can write a message or an advertisement on a plan of the building.

There will also be a roll of honour in the new building's reception.

Jackie Leighton, from the hospice, said: "Not only do you secure an advertising space on a website that will be actively promoted for the next two years, but your advertisement will also help to provide more important services to people in your community who need the care of a hospice.

"It is a win-win formula that will benefit everyone who gets involved."

Today, three people, including The Northern Echo's editor, Peter Barron, will put their feet in plaster to support to the campaign and launch the website, at www.putyourfootinit.org.uk The cost of each square foot is £100. Donations can be made securely online or on 01642-607742.