Martin House is appealing for final donations to aid the construction of £21.9million redevelopment to the children’s and teen wing of the hospice.
Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa is undergoing a huge redevelopment called “THE BUILD”.
Construction was officially completed on phase one of the project on the 14th of March 2025 with its new children’s wing now delivering care and support to the children and families of Yorkshire.
The new nine-bed wing, which makes up phase one of the project, was opened on the 18th of March 2025, and construction has now begun on the final segment of the project in 2026.
The hospice, that is backed by Ambassador Gareth Southgate, is now appealing for donations to reach the public target of £2million.
“THE BUILD” is aiming to provide more comfort, independence and specialist care for young people with life-limiting conditions.
In September 2025, Martin House and other supporters launched the 36 Hour Give, which strived to raise £360,000 in 36 to pledge towards phase two.
The fundraiser was a success, reaching the goal that it had set out, as it was backed by Emmerdale stars as well as Southgate.
Martin House chief executive, Clair Holdsworth, said “Advances in medicine mean more children and young people with life-shortening conditions are living for longer and with increasingly complex needs. Our building, facilities and services must continuously evolve to meet these needs.”
By expanding facilities with new wings for children and teens, a hydrotherapy pool, an education centre and improved family visiting spaces, the “THE BUILD” is certain to give the residents that feeling of comfort they deserve.
A Martin House volunteer, Chris, said: “It’s exciting that we’re nearly there and it’s really starting to feel like something over in Boston Spa.”
“We just want the kids to feel comfortable while they are with us, and this will certainly help with that.”
Martin House have made it extremely accessible to donate, with a direct debit or one time payment option being available on their website.
They also have volunteers out in public to spread the word and increase awareness in the local area, with most supermarkets in the Harrogate area having a volunteer in their store at some point.
The project was kick-started due to a £3million lead gift by The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation and has further attracted donations from the sponsors of “THE BUILD”, HARIBO and many others.
Popular gin company goes into administration after struggling with rising costs and decreased trade in recent years.
Spirit of Harrogate, best known for the Slingsby gin brand, has officially filed for administration today.
The retailer has hired Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency to oversee the administration process. Gareth Lewis and Matthew Russell have been named as joint administrators.
Since the company was founded in 2014, it has flourished for many years as one of Harrogate’s most popular local brands.
Significant achievements include winning gold at the World Gin Awards in 2023with their rhubarb gin, also being the brand partner of the BMW PGA Golf Championship for 3 years from 2019 to 2022.
However, after a rough few years and tough trading challenges almost crippling the hospitality industry, it looks like the mountain is too steep to climb.
Located on Montpellier Parade, the company operates a mix of gin experiences and retail, now establishing Slingsby gin as a popular spirit brand all over the UK.
Founded by local entrepreneurs Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, the pair are now actively offering the company for sale.
With Carthy’s background in the drinks industry, being a qualified chemist with over 30 years in the drinks industry, and Black’s strong financial business background, it was no surprise that the venture thrived for many years.
Their brand vision has always been blending local flavours and Harrogate waters, paired with immersive experiences that have no doubt been the catalyst in the success of Slingsby gin nationally and internationally.
According to Black, the brand’s early success was down to “spending around 15 months on developing the recipe, going through nearly 18 versions before launching in 2015.”
Locals will no doubt be gutted to hear of the news, remaining one of Harrogate’s most popular drinks retailers, but will certainly hope to see a rejuvenation of the brand once a sale is found.