A major children’s hospice in Yorkshire is ready to officially unveil its brand-new look this week following the completion of a massive £21.9 million redevelopment project.
Martin House Children’s Hospice, located in Boston Spa, will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday 5th June 2026. Performing the honours is former England football manager and Martin House ambassador Sir Gareth Southgate, alongside families, staff, and community partners who have supported the project, known simply as “THE BUILD.”
The multi-million-pound expansion started in autumn 2023 to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across West, North, and East Yorkshire. Because medical advancements mean children with life-shortening conditions are living longer with increasingly complex needs, the hospice required a serious upgrade to its clinical and recreational spaces.
The state-of-the-art facility now features a brand-new hydrotherapy pool, an immersive sensory room, a dedicated recording studio, a new children’s wing, a fully refurbished teenage wing, and a new Education Centre for specialist training. Crucially, practical clinical upgrades like piped oxygen have now been installed in every single room.
The charity supports more than 550 children and young people and 200 bereaved family members every year completely free of charge. The massive build was heavily reliant on public fundraising appeals, alongside significant corporate backing from confectionery brand HARIBO UK, whose Yorkshire-based team raised vital funds through various charity challenges.
“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. Because of THE BUILD, we will have our first chance to swim with Thomas as a family in the new hydrotherapy pool. Martin House is also better equipped than ever to meet Thomas’s changing needs… Martin House is a lifeline for my family, and now that lifeline is bigger and better than ever.”
Clair Holdsworth, Chief Executive at Martin House, said:
“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. Demand for children’s palliative care continues to grow… THE BUILD ensures Martin House can continue adapting to those needs.”
Sir Gareth Southgate added:
“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. I have huge admiration for the work they do for children, families, and the wider Yorkshire community.”
