IN PICTURES: First look inside the new £21.9 million Martin House Children’s Hospice building opened by Sir Gareth Southgate

Sir Gareth Southgate, a Martin House Children’s Hospice ambassador, performed the ribbon cutting at a special launch event on Friday, June 5.

The celebration was attended by families who receive care from Martin House Children’s Hospice, 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.

Sir Gareth Southgate said: “Seeing firsthand the difference Martin House Children’s Hospice 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.

"The hospice is a vital support for local families, and it genuinely transforms the lives of young people with life-shortening conditions every single day.”

Every year, Martin House Children’s Hospice 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 the majority of funding coming from voluntary donations and fundraising.

For more information about Martin House Children’s Hospice, visit https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/