Children's hospice plans revised

Ellie's Haven will see families spend holiday time together

The parents of a terminally-ill girl have said they have changed their plans to build a children's hospice so that they do not compete with a rival bid.

Nigel and Julie Libby said in August they planned to build on a site outside Looe in tribute to two-year-old Ellie.

But days later Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), which already runs two sites, in Somerset and Devon, said it too was planning a hospice in Cornwall.

Now the Libbys will open a holiday park for sick children instead.

Mr Libby said they still planned to call the site Ellie's Haven.

"It'll be a place where children with serious illnesses and their families can relax."

'Better move'

CHSW announced plans for a new £5m unit days after the Libbys own announcement.

The Libbys were concerned that two organisations would be competing for funds, while the important issue was providing a children's hospice.

The couple decided that working with CHSW was not practicable and although they are disappointed they feel their new plans were a "better move".

The new Ellie's Haven will be a facility where youngsters with life threatening and terminal illnesses and their families can take short holiday breaks.

"We feel this is the best way to go," said Mr Libby. "This way Cornwall will get two great facilities - a hospice and a new facility to help children and their families spend time together when they need it."