Martin House Children’s Hospice has officially opened the doors to its newly redeveloped building following the completion of a major £21.9 million project named THE BUILD.
At a special launch event today, Friday 5th June, long-term Martin House ambassador Sir Gareth Southgate performed the official ribbon cutting. The celebration brought together the families who receive care at the hospice, alongside supporters, staff, and community partners.
Designed to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across Yorkshire, the project has completely modernised and expanded the Boston Spa hospice. Work initially began in autumn 2023 following a major public fundraising appeal, reflecting the changing needs of children who are now living longer with increasingly complex conditions due to clinical advancements.
The new state-of-the-art facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, an immersive sensory room, a recording studio, and enhanced clinical spaces equipped with features like piped oxygen in every room. The site now boasts a brand-new children’s wing, a refurbished teenage wing, and a new Education Centre designed to expand specialist palliative care training across the region.
Every year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, alongside roughly 200 bereaved family members across West, North, and East Yorkshire. Its vital services are free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the majority of its funding relying heavily on voluntary donations and community fundraising. The project was also heavily backed by headline sponsor HARIBO UK, whose colleagues raised crucial funds through initiatives like charity zipwires and the Leeds Dragon Boat Race.
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.”
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.”
