THE OPENING of a hospice which will care for Gloucestershire life-limited children has moved a major step closer, following the official hand-over of the 10-bed unit.

After 14 months on site the contractors have handed over the building to Acorns charity.

The charity is now totally responsible for the completion of the project, and the promise of residential care for some 250 life-limited children in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire is close to becoming a reality.

"For everyone involved this is a hugely exciting time," said Acorns' chief executive John Overton.

"Our care team is now in the process of turning this beautiful building into a warm, welcoming, home-from-home environment in readiness for the arrival of the first children and families in March 2005.

"Curtains can now be hung, pictures put on the walls and cupboards crammed with games and toys.

"It's a fantastic achievement to have got this far and is due, in no small part, to the wonderful support that people have given us since we launched our fund-raising appeal back in April 2001.

"Their support has been unstinting and means so much to the local children and families who will benefit from the specialist palliative care that the new hospice will provide alongside expanding our services in the community.

"The completion of this purpose-built unit on schedule is also a huge tribute to the vision of Associated Architects, who developed this stunning building and the hard work and commitment of our main contractors Speller-Metcalfe and the many sub-contractors who have worked on the project over the last year.

"Everyone has really pulled together and we have a magnificent building and outstanding landscaped gardens of which the local community can be extremely proud," added Mr Overton.

Acorns opened its first children's hospice at Selly Oak in 1988, which was the third in the world when it opened. It opened its second in Walsall in 1999.

As demand on services grew, it was decided to launch a public appeal for £4 million to create a third hospice for children who live in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

In the weeks leading up to the hospice opening, volunteers, donors and supporters will be invited to see what they have helped to create first hand. In February families will make short visits so they can get used to the building and really put the hospice through its paces - beds will be jumped on, hoists used for the first time, and the kitchen will provide lunches and snacks.

On March 1 most of the 40-strong nursing and care team will arrive for two weeks' training and induction.

On March 14 the first children and families will arrive for respite, emergency and terminal care.

"Then the hospice will be full of young people and the unique atmosphere of Acorns will fill the building. Our dream of a new children's hospice will finally become the reality that so many local families have been waiting for," continued Mr Overton.

"But with £250,000 still needed to complete the fitting out and with running costs of £4,000 a day, we now need to raise vital funds to operate the hospice. "The continued and committed support of local people and organisations is needed more than ever as we move towards to opening the hospice."

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust cares for life-limited children and their families.

A life-limited child is a child not expected to live to adulthood.

The new hospice in Worcester will provide care and support for 250 children and their families in the three counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The building includes a hydrotherapy pool, a multi sensory room, family accommodation, facilities for young children and teenagers and an acre of interactive, landscaped gardens.

If you would like to make a donation or fund raise for Acorns please call 01386 554848 or visit www.acorns.org.uk