A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise £5m to build a children's hospice on Wearside.

Grace House Sunderland will provide respite care and support for hundreds of children and families from across the region, which has the lowest level of children's hospice beds in the country.

Broadcaster Kathy Secker, who is spearheading the appeal, said: "This is a huge challenge, but we are confident that the generous people in this region will rise to the challenge to support it.''

The hospice will be named after Grace Jones, three, of High Barnes, Sunderland, who has the rare genetic condition Rett Syndrome. Her mother Debra said the hospice was "something we really need".

The campaign is based at Grace House Sunderland, Suite P1, North East of England Business and Innovations Centre, Wearfield, Sunderland Enterprise Park East, SR5 2TA, telephone 0191-516 6302.

Money can be donated at the Yorkshire Bank in Sunderland or Newcastle. The account number is 43523705, sort code 05-06-23.