Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor joined two Paralympic icons to mark the completion of the new £3.5million extension to Manchester’s Francis House Children’s Hospice.
Soap star Dynevor, who plays Sally Webster on the popular soap, and Paralympians Dame Sarah Storey and Barney Storey, were invited on a tour to view the new state-of-the-art facilities.
In Oct 2012, just after her Olympic triumph, Dame Sarah Storey laid a foundation stone with 18-year-old Kate Snape, who has been going to Francis House since she was just seven years old.
Dame Sarah said: “I knew the facilities would be top notch but it’s fantastic to come see it now, everyone should be so proud.
PROUD: Dame Sarah Storey and her family, along with the Roddy family
“There’s a real buzz from the young people who are really looking forward to being able to make the most of their time here chilling out, relaxing and maybe take their minds off what they have to cope with on a daily basis.”
The new facility was funded by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, whose contribution was honoured with a plaque on the new building.
Mr Al-Fayed was joined at the unveiling by his daughter Camilla and Kirsty Howard, 18, who was born with her heart back to front.
Ms Howard also spearheaded The Kirsty Appeal in aid of Francis House, which reached its £5million target in 2006.
The new accommodation includes a unique parent-free zone, to be used by the young people from the end of the month.
ROOM WITH A VIEW: Kate Snape enjoys the new building’s terrace view
It also includes a first floor a terrace with large glass balcony allowing unrestricted views across the garden from wheel chair height.
Those that use Francis House were also delighted to hear that the bedrooms are fitted with PlayStation 4s, televisions, self-lowering wash basins and hoists to en-suite bathrooms.
To make their stay even more enjoyable, a purpose built music and cinema room has been installed which will be used as a space to record music and messages for family members and friends.
In March last year, Sally Dynevor attended a topping out ceremony to celebrate reaching the highest part of the building.
After spending time chatting to families Sally said: “It’s a remarkable place. All the fundraising that goes into making it work is incredible.”
Many regular users of Francis House were present at the launch to celebrate the new building, and expressed their excitement for spending time in the new surroundings.
Kate, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a muscle-wasting disease that affects the spinal cord and nerves, said: “I’ll be able to come in more often hopefully, because there are more beds and there’s a separate room which accommodates friends.
‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’: Kyle Wells and Gill Bevin in the new building
“It’s like a home away from home at the hospice. I still need the help of carers but it’s my space really and is more laid-back and I can get up when I want,” he said.
Kyle Wells, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, has been going to Francis House since 1995.
“I’m in my twenties and still enjoy coming here. As I’ve grown up I’ve always looked forward to my stays at Francis House,” he said.
“The new building is amazing, the outside balconies for each bedroom are a really good idea and I’m looking forward to using being able to use it very much.”
Annual running costs are anticipated to be in the region of £4.6 million following the number of registered nurses having increased.
