Sir Gareth Southgate opens new-look £21.9m Martin House Children's Hospice

Martin House Children’s Hospice has officially opened the doors to its new building following the completion of a major £21.9m redevelopment project dubbed THE BUILD.

On 5 June, Sir Gareth Southgate, a Martin House ambassador, performed the ribbon cutting at a special launch event. The celebration was attended by families who receive care from Martin House, supporters, staff and community partners.

THE BUILD was designed to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across Yorkshire. It has modernised and expanded the Boston Spa hospice, creating new specialist facilities for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families.

New facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, immersive sensory room, recording studio and enhanced clinical spaces. Alongside a new children’s wing and refurbished teenage wing, a new Education Centre will expand specialist palliative care training across the region.

Work on THE BUILD began in autumn 2023, following a major public fundraising appeal. The redevelopment reflects the changing needs of children receiving hospice care, as clinical advancements mean children are living longer with increasingly complex conditions.

Bethany Harrison’s son Thomas is supported by Martin House, with respite stays and symptom management helping to keep him out of hospital. Thomas has a rare genetic disorder called ATR-X Syndrome, which has left him unable to walk or talk. He is fed through a gastric tube and is prone to recurrent chest infections.

Bethany said: “We wouldn’t cope without Martin House. They put you and your child at the centre, giving us that extra level of support - it’s just like another member of the family to help us.”

Every year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and around 200 bereaved family members, across West, North and East Yorkshire. Its services are provided free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with most of the funding coming from voluntary donations and fundraising.

Chief Executive Clair Holdsworth says: “THE BUILD is so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a modern, family-focused hospice that matches the extraordinary quality of care our teams provide every day. Children, young people and families will now experience a more spacious, welcoming and state-of-the-art environment, designed to support them in the best possible way.”

Sir Gareth Southgate adds: “Seeing firsthand the difference Martin House makes for children - giving them somewhere to escape and feel supported - has really stayed with me. It’s that personal, tailored care that makes it so powerful.” 

Clair adds: “Demand for children’s palliative care continues to grow, with more children living longer with increasingly complex conditions. THE BUILD ensures Martin House can continue adapting to those needs and supporting even more families across Yorkshire when they need us most.”