Charitable Donation £4,000.00 to "Horizon West" Children's Hospice

Members of the Lodge

CHeque presentation Presenting cheque for £4000 to Derek Wilson of Horizons West
From left -V.W.Bro Robert Agnew - Cookstown VW.Bro Pat Donnelly - Omagh
and Rt.W.Bro Leslie Nixon - Enniskillen

Horizon West, is the new children's hospice in Killadeas, Co. Fermanagh. In the last three years fundraising and charitable donations have raised over £1 million pounds - enough to complete the construction of the new building. The focus is now on securing donations to get services up and running. Speaking about the success of the campaign and the generosity of local people, Chief Executive, Judith Hill said,

"What has been overwhelming is the consistency of generosity and enthusiasm by local people to support Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, Horizon West appeal. There is a need for this facility in the Tyrone / Fermanagh area and we hope the support group and hospice can rely further on the public throughout all phases of this project and service" When opened Horizon West will give families living in the most rural parts of Northern Ireland access to hospice facilities closer to home.

Northern Ireland Children's Hospice cares for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and supports their families and those close to them. Care is provided across Northern Ireland. There are over 750 life-limited children and young people living in Northern Ireland. Life- limiting conditions include conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and genetic disorders such as Batten's Disease, and life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease. These children have very complex needs often requiring 24 hour care and many will die before reaching adulthood. Tina McCrossan, Director of Children's Services for Northern Ireland Children's Hospice said,

"Horizon West will provide a range of support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. A mixture of planned stays at Horizon West as well as support for parents and siblings will be the focus of the facility, strengthening local children's hospice services currently being provided across Northern Ireland. Horizon West will begin full service delivery as soon as the running costs are secured. The commitment to provide accessible, high quality clinical care and family support remains a priority for the charity".

Editor's Note
At the time of writing [February 2012] the charity is hoping to get Horizon West operational by the summer of 2012. Provincial Grand Lodge is pleased to be associated with this project.