Hospice campaign nears £1m target

The new children's hospice is due to open in 2008

A milestone has been reached in a campaign to raise £1m for a children's hospice in Cumbria.

The Jigsaw Appeal charity was launched in June 2005, with the aim of raising enough cash to extend and convert the unit at the Eden Valley Hospice.

Organisers say they have now reached the £900,000 mark and are hopeful the rest of the money will be raised by the charity's 2008 deadline.

Currently there is only a day care unit for children with terminal conditions.

In November 2006, the hospice in Durdar Road, Carlisle, received a £65,000 boost from the government.