How Liverpool is pulling together to help save Zoe’s Place

The city is pulling together to help save Zoe’s Place after the Liverpool baby hospice announced it was being forced to close.

Comedians, singers, and sports stars are among the many well-known celebrity faces who have vowed to support the Yew Tree Lane charity so far, and they’re joined by politicians like local MP Ian Byrne, ordinary people from the city, and even stores like Montirex in South John Street who have pledged their help.

Zoe’s Place, which supports babies and young children who have complex illnesses or disabilities from birth to age five, needs to raise £5m in the next 30 days to secure a new home in Liverpool.

Just over a week ago Zoe’s Place had run out of hope as it announced that because of time taken to get planning permission to create a new hospice there was insufficient time left to construct the building before its current lease runs out.

That, in addition to a rise in the projected costs and the challenge of raising funding, meant that there just weren’t sufficient funds left available: “It is therefore with great sadness that Zoe’s Place trustees have to announce that their Liverpool hospice will close at the end of 2024,” they said.

But the news has caused an uproar in the city with hundreds calling for the much-loved hospice to be saved – and setting about raising money and support to help do that…

Ex-LFC defender and England player and pundit Jamie Carragher has called on the city to do its ‘utmost and best’ to try to reach the £5 million Zoe’s Place needs.

He said:

“It’s not going to be easy, but if any city can, Liverpool can. That’s the motto we’ve all got to get behind.” He said he was involved in a couple of initiatives that could hopefully help and encouraged others to get involved too, adding: “Don’t forget the motto, if any city can, Liverpool can. Fingers crossed we can get there!”

Another former Liverpool player and ambassador for Zoe’s Place, Robbie Fowler, has also urged Scousers to do all they can to help it continue its incredible work.

Steven Gerrard, who has supported the charity for many years, said:

“This is really important for our city, and in times of need, this is when the city pulls together, and we’ll get there.”

Actress Claire Sweeney has called on people to help the ‘wonderful charity’, saying: “They need to continue the great work they’re doing. We’ve got to raise money and help them; please, please let’s save this fantastic charity.” 

While The Farm’s Peter Hooton declared he was backing the campaign to save it.

Jamie Webster, Miles Kane, The Zutons, Red Rum Club, The Royston Club and Finnlay K have organised a gig at Hangar 34, on Thursday, October 24, with all proceeds going to Zoe’s Place.

And Hotwater Comedy Club at Blackstock Market is hosting a Zoe’s Place Charity Comedy Show starring John Bishop, Jason Manford, Iain Stirling, Russell Kane and Adam Rowe on Monday, October 28.

Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon is planning to make friendship bracelets and says:

“It would be a little something made be me & ALL MONEY will go to Zoe’s Place, a charity that we all hold dear.

“It’s not just a bracelet, you’d be donating towards saving Zoe’s Place, who are in need of our support right now to stay open.”

And more and more events are being organised all the time as the city’s celebrities get behind the charity.

But it’s not just the famous who are rising to the challenge.

Schoolboy Anthony Demellweek is aiming to run 48 miles in aid of Zoe’s Place over the course of 20 runs. Anthony’s sister Amelia, nine, has cerebral palsy, scoliosis and epilepsy, leaving her unable to walk or talk and the 10-year-old and mum, Faye, who is a full-time carer for Amelia, regard Zoe’s Place as a lifeline.  

Anthony began his quest last Thursday, and was joined by UFC fighters ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann, who’s a family friend, and Paddy (the Baddy) Pimblett.

Outdoor and sportswear store Montirex, founded in Liverpool by best friends Daniel Yuen and Kieran Riddell-Austin, has donated an incredible £105,596, and it’s one among many businesses in the city who have joined in the support.

And this Saturday there’s a six-mile walk from the Pier Head organised by Kate’s Coastal Walk, which supports Zoe’s Place each year, to raise cash for the under-threat baby hospice.

Zoe’s Place has said:

“With the backing of our local community we believe we can reach this target for our hospice, children and their families. Thank you so much for all your support so far, it has been incredible!”

Find out more about Zoe’s Place here.

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