DEVELOPERS building new homes at Romsey have donated £10,000 to a children’s hospice The Abbotswood Consortium – made up of Taylor Wimpey, Bellway Homes and Bovis Homes – which is building 800 homes on the northern outskirts of Romsey, gave the sum to Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices at Sutton Scotney.

Naomi House cares for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions up to the age of 16, while Jacksplace is a purpose-built unit for those aged 16 to 25.

Michelle Wheeler, major gifts and marketing manager for Naomi House, says: “Without the support of local businesses like the Abbotswood Consortium, as well as individuals and the local community, we just would not be able to run the two hospices.

She said the hospice, which helps youngsters from seven counties in the south of England, costs £7 million a year to run, of which only 20 per cent is funded by the Government.

As well as raising money towards running costs, Naomi House launched the Caterpillar Appeal earlier this year to raise £4 million to refurbish the facility, which opened 17 years ago.

Michelle adds: “When Naomi House first opened it was a state-of-the-art service for children and young people, but medical and technological advances – such as bigger wheelchairs and equipment – mean that the hospice needs updating.”

She said the Caterpillar Appeal had already raised £2.4 million and that refurbishment work had already begun and the hospice was on track for re-launch next spring.

“In the meantime, though, it is business as usual and we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year,” said Michelle.

Fiona Creed, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey, says: “As a local housebuilder we are committed to supporting the local communities in which we build our new homes and we are delighted to have helped support such a worthwhile local cause, which helps so many children and their families.”