A major fundraising campaign has been launched to help save a Merseyside hospice facing closure at the end of this year.

Zoe’s Place Liverpool -  which offers respite, palliative, and end-of-life care for babies and children up to five years old, along with support for their families - had planned to build a new £3.5m hospice near its current location in West Derby.

However, a spokesperson for the trustees confirmed last 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.

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.

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

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

A fundraising campaign has so far raised more than £1.6million of a £5m target.

Thousands of people have also signed a petition of support for the hospice.

Joan Stainsby, executive trustee, said: "When the trustees spoke to the team at Zoe's Place Liverpool on Monday, just like the families we support, we had found ourselves in a position of very little hope.

"The positivity, generosity and commitment to our cause we have seen since our announcement has been both overwhelming and uplifting.

"The chances of finding an alternative home for Zoe's Place Liverpool still seem slim.

"But it is heartening to know that our staff team, and the people of Liverpool, will help ensure that every possible opportunity is exhausted before we are forced to close.

"We are so grateful to have the backing of Ian Byrne MP and the Liverpool community, who are committed to helping us raise the funds needed to prevent the closure of our hospice."

To support the JustGiving for Zoe’s Place in Liverpool, click here

Read more: Thousands join campaign to save Merseyside children's hospice from closure 

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition to as the campaign to save the hospice showing the strength of local support for the hospice,

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, click here