Claire House celebrates planning approval for new Liverpool children’s hospice

Liverpool’s famous faces have thrown their support behind Claire House as the charity secured planning permission to transform its West Derby site.

Claire House Children’s Hospice has received a wave of support from Merseyside celebrities after planning permission was granted for a new children’s hospice in Liverpool.

The charity took to Liverpool city centre this week to spread the news, handing out thousands of special one-off editions of the Claire House News, celebrating the landmark moment.

The newspaper marks a major milestone in plans to transform Claire House’s existing West Derby site into a full children’s hospice, bringing specialist 24/7 care, including respite and end-of-life care, closer to home for families across Liverpool and the surrounding areas.

A host of well-known names helped amplify the message by being pictured with copies of the newspaper and sharing their support.

World Cup pundit and former England captain Wayne Rooney helped spread the news to his 15.5 million Instagram followers. The ex-Everton striker posed with a copy of the newspaper, while wife Coleen, whose sister Rosie was supported by the hospice, shared the post on social media.

The Rooneys were joined by Everton FC’s Merlin Rohl and Courtney Brosnan, boxing legend Tony Bellew, Liverpool actresses Claire Sweeney and Suzanne Collins, content creator Ryan Hall, Mowgli founder Nisha Katona, photographer Mike McCartney and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Hollyoaks star Anna Passey read the newspaper on the nearby Lime Pictures set, while cast members from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, currently performing at the Liverpool Empire, and local radio breakfast teams also gave their backing to the announcement.

Broadcaster Pete Price, a long-time supporter of Claire House, appeared in a special video marking the moment. The film showed people reading the newspaper across the city, from busy streets and cafes to some of Liverpool’s best-known landmarks.

Meanwhile, much-loved actor Ricky Tomlinson sent a video message reading the special edition from his famous armchair, helping to raise awareness.

Claire House Chief Executive David Pastor said:

“This is a hugely exciting moment for children and families across Liverpool and beyond. Securing planning permission brings us one step closer to creating a full children’s hospice in Liverpool and ensuring families can access specialist care closer to home.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from people across the city. From celebrities and radio presenters to students, businesses, tour guides and members of the public, so many people have helped us spread the news. Their support will help even more families learn about the difference this vital project will make.”

Copies of the newspaper were distributed throughout Liverpool city centre, with supporters stopping to take photographs, share their congratulations on social media and celebrate the next chapter in Claire House’s history.

The charity hopes the campaign will raise awareness of its plans and inspire even more people to get behind the project as it moves closer to becoming a reality.

Find more information about Claire House here.

Find the latest Liverpool news here.

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