Marie Curie reaches BIG Build Appeal target for new hospice

Marie Curie is thanking the people of the West Midlands for helping to build a new hospice for the region. The charity is delighted to announce it has reached its £7 million fundraising target for its BIG Build Appeal, which has enabled the charity to construct and equip a brand new Marie Curie Hospice for the West Midlands.

The Appeal, which has been running for the last two years, has seen star names such as Torvill and Dean, The Saturdays, Clive Anderson, Bill Oddie, Sir Clive Woodward and Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham all kindly lending their support. The local community has also played a vital role with fundraising activities ranging from brave men waxing their hairy legs to long distance bike rides, vintage swims, medieval banquets and quiz teams battling it out at the annual Birmingham Brain Game.

Noel Cramer, the BIG Build Appeal Director, said: “It is an amazing achievement to raise such a large sum in just over two years. The whole community has really got behind the appeal and so many people have worked so hard to achieve this great result. We have had a wonderful response from individuals, local companies and community groups who have all contributed hugely to reaching the £7million total needed to build our wonderful hospice.”

“I’d particularly like to thank the volunteer fundraisers including those in the local community, those in the Birmingham business world, and the Capital Appeal fundraising committee and our Patrons, all of whom have committed so much to ensure the fundraising drive was successful.”

The BIG build Appeal was set up to build a new Marie Curie Hospice to replace the Marie Curie Hospice on Warwick Road, Solihull, which had been caring for patients and their families for 45 years.

Mr John Owen, a Sutton Coldfield resident whose late wife received respite care at the former Marie hospice in Solihull supported the BIG Build Appeal. He donated money to commission a courtyard in the new hospice, where patients and visitors can sit and commune in a relaxing environment.

Mr Owen described why he decided to respond to the appeal for support: “The courtyard is a wonderful area. My late wife, Ibi, received such relief from her pain in only a short time with Marie Curie that it felt like an appropriate tribute to her to create an area of respite and comfort in the new hospice. I hope many people enjoy the courtyard.”

Although the BIG Build Appeal has now been completed Marie Curie still needs the support of the local community so it can continue its work in the West Midlands. The new hospice costs £9600 a day to run and as the local population ages and patients arrive with more complex conditions, Marie Curie needs to continue fundraising so it can provide the free high-quality care people need at the end of their life.

To make a donation and support the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands call 0121 703 3712.

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