New £1.2m children’s hospice receives Royal opening in Fermanagh
Horizon West, the new Children’s Hospice in Fermanagh was officially opened by the Duke of Kent this week.
During a tour of the hospice the Duke met with local families, children and staff and heard how the £1.2m facility is making a positive difference to the lives of families and local children living with a life-limiting condition.
The Duke interacted with children in the multi-sensory room, met families using the accommodation and shared some special moments in the art room with staff and children creating a piece of art. The creative piece made of clay will include the word ‘Solace’ – a contribution of the Duke that will be placed in the garden as a momento of the official opening.
Speaking at the event, Heather Weir, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice said: “Families when first faced with the harsh realities experience the worst, but in hospice they find the best. First class delivery of children’s palliative care is life changing. Families are offered the chance to live a life they never thought could be possible. They find ‘SOLACE’ – calm, comfort, consolation, cheer, support and relief.
“The art feature when completed will be a lasting reminder to everyone who sees it that hospice care is a journey of the most specialist and most loving care possible. It will also remind us of your visit today and for marking the official opening of Horizon West – a new children’s hospice in Fermanagh and Tyrone.”
Horizon West is the second Children’s Hospice in Northern Ireland and the charity’s mission is to continue caring for children and young people with conditions for which there is no known cure. Conditions which are life-limiting such as Muscular Dystrophy, neurological disorders and life threatening illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. The charity also supports their families and carers.
