Rallying call to get behind Zoe's Place Baby Hospice

Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice has been forced to close its doors two nights a week as it works to ease financial pressure.

In March, it was revealed that the charity, based near Middlesbrough, was in dire need of cash to maintain its specialist services.

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However, the fundraising team at the Zoe's Place are determined to get the money needed to bring back 24/7 services.

Situated in Crossbeck House in Normanby, Zoë’s Place provides palliative, respite and bereavement care for families of babies and children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses.

One of the patients in the sensory room

The charity's community fundraiser Rachael Bareham said: "People have been really understanding about our decision to close two nights a week but we are determined to get back to a full service as soon as we are in a position to do so.

"Everybody understands why we had to close on a Sunday and Tuesday night but if it was a genuine emergency we have arrangements in place for staff to come in."

Since first opening its doors in 2004, it has cared for more than 350 children. The hospice today has more than thirty babies and young children receiving regular nursing care in its special home from home environment.

Mrs Bareham added: "We offer specialist, tailored treatment for children aged under 5 and it is a costly service that we offer. We are looking for people to get behind us and raise as much money as possible – every penny counts.

"We have some wonderful people and organisations who make regular donations but we are always looking for more companies to get behind us and help us to re-open every single day.

The charity has also organised a number of challenge events including It’s a Knockout, The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, The Ali Brownlee Riverside 5k and 2k fun run, the Great North Run and Zoë’s Place’s very own Tour De branch bike ride challenge.

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