THOUSANDS have signed a petition in support of a Merseyside hospice facing closure at the end of this year.

Zoe’s Place Liverpool had planned to build a new £3.5m hospice near its current location in West Derby.

However, a spokesperson for the trustees confirmed on Monday that delays in securing planning permission mean there was insufficient time for the project to be completed, forcing the centre to close at the end of the year. 

The decision to close comes only nine months before the charity’s lease for its current home on Yew Tree Lane ends.

A statement issued by the trustees at Zoe’s Place that closure decision had been made with 'great sadness'.

In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) Claire House said it will offer palliative and end-of-life care to any babies or children currently under the care of Zoe’s Place.

A petition launched on Change.org has been signed by more than 3,000 people in less than 24 hours, showing the strength of local support for the hospice, which offers respite, palliative, and end-of-life care for babies and children up to five years old, along with support for their families. 

The petition starter writes: "Over 50 families will lose the home from home service that provides 1:1 care for children aged 0-5 with complex and life-limiting needs.

"The families and staff need the support of everyone to stop this from happening, this IS the only baby hospice in Liverpool and for a lot of families there is no other support."

Kirstie Jackson, a supporter of the petition, adds: “This place is so important to so many families who are going through an unthinkable time. This beautiful place is so needed.”

To sign the petition, go to: Change.org/SaveZoesPlace

Joan Stainsby, executive trustee at Zoe's Place, said: "We are sorry to be sharing such sad news with those who Zoe's Place Liverpool has supported, and our staff and supporters.

"Liverpool was where Zoe’s Place originated and will always be close to our hearts.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision and one that we have worked tirelessly to avoid. Unfortunately, there are simply no other options available to us."

Read more: Claire House pledges support for Merseyside children's hospice facing closure

Zoë’s Place, which opened at its current location in 1995, supports children and their families who are affected by life-limiting and life-threatening conditions There are also Zoë’s Place baby hospices in Middlesbrough and Coventry – these are unaffected by the closure decision.

Services offered include short-breaks, often referred to as respite services, palliative and end-of-life care to children aged from birth to five years old.

The charity says it will be working closely with parents to find alternative support.

In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), Claire House commented: 'We are deeply saddened by the news about the closure of Zoe’s Place and express our deepest sympathies to all the children, families and staff affected.

"Claire House will offer palliative and end-of-life care to any babies or children currently under the care of Zoe’s Place."

Discussions have been held with Claire House, which also has a children’s hospice in the area, and the local NHS services, to establish alternative options for the children and parents using the hospice currently.