THE parents of a terminally ill two-year-old girl have launched ambitious plans for a new children's hospice in Looe. Inspired by the plight of their daughter, and by the enthusiasm of local people for supporting her and children like her, Looe couple Nigel and Julie Libby have launched an appeal to create 'Ellie's Haven', named after their daughter. They are being helped by a team of local volunteers. The hospice would look after children and young people who are not expected to make it to adulthood. The only children's hospices in the Westcountry are at Bristol and Barnstaple. Two-year-old Ellie (right) has a rare genetic condition which has already claimed the life of her 14-month-old brother Thomas. Last year alone local fundraising carried out in Ellie's name produced £23,000 to pay for a much- needed endoscope for Derriford Hospital after Nigel and Julie became aware of the need for such equipment – staff at the hospital could hardly believe what had been achieved in such a short space of time. 'Julie and I have always said that if we won the lottery we would set up a hospice here in Cornwall,' said Nigel. 'We were talking to some health care professionals a while ago and they were so enthusiastic about the idea that we began to think seriously about it even though we haven't won yet!' Although news of the project only leaked out this week, planning is well under way, with a bank account set up at Barclays, a website (http://www.ellies">www.ellies- haven.org.uk) and even a site at Nomansland for the building, donated by local accountant James Kitson. Charitable status is being applied for and a limited company formed. Trustees have been appointed, including paediatrician Dr Carolyn Adcock from Derriford. 'I am delighted to be able to support the development of Ellie's Haven,' she said. 'Some of my patients will benefit greatly from the provision of local hospice care.' The cost of the building alone is estimated, conservatively, at £3m but the Ellie's Haven team say they realise this could well be on the low side, and that annual running costs will have to be found. They have not set a target date because there is so much to achieve, including feasibility studies, drawing up business plans, and seeking and obtaining planning permission. 'We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity people have shown already and while it is still early days we are certain Ellie's Haven will become a reality,' said Julie. 'We have had an offer to do the building work at cost and already people are proving so generous, not just with money but with time and effort. 'Currently there is no hospice care for children in Cornwall but we have seen for ourselves the sort of care they can provide and we are determined that with the backing of the local community – and Cornwall as a whole – it can be achieved. The couple are very aware that there is much to do and they and their supporters are keen to harness the goodwill they know exists in Cornwall. Julie runs her own business, Julie's Flower Shop in Looe, and Nigel is a full-time carer for Ellie, having given up his job as a shop manager in Plymouth. But as the Ellie's Haven project gathers momentum they and their team acknowledge the importance of attracting volunteers prepared to help by bringing professional expertise to bear. Their most pressing need is for volunteers prepared to take on the tasks of cost and project management and to help deal with the deluge of phone calls, e-mails and letters which this week began arriving at Nigel and Julie's home in Woodland View, Looe. They would also like to hear from anyone prepared to offer other skills to Ellie's Haven – they feel the work may suit retired professionals who would like to donate a lifetime of experience to such a worthwhile cause. Anyone who would like to offer help in any way can contact Nigel and Julie on 01503 265044 or by e- mail to: info@ellies-haven. org.uk. Anyone who would like to contribute towards the fundraising can send a cheque made out to Ellie's Haven, Cornwall to 40 Woodlands View, West Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2AW.
