A FAMOUS Hampshire face has helped launched £4million appeal at a children's hospice.

ITV presenter Alastair Stewart was at Naomi House and jacksplace Hospice, based in Sutton Scotney, near Winchester, today to boost the refurbishment campaign.

The refurbishment will include as many green features as possible and a new building management system, saving £100,000 per year in running costs.

Currently using two hydrotherapy pools and laundry rooms, the hospice will downsize to just one of each, enabled by the new undercover bridge that will link Naomi House and jacksplace.

Other features include making the current ten bedrooms more spacious, an additional three bedrooms, bigger bathrooms, a bereavement suite, a new suite of emergency rooms, updated parent accommodation with lift access, larger communal areas, and a new entrance foyer for families.

Naomi House patron Mr Stewart said: “Since 1997 some of the equipment has got a bit old. The face of the building, although lovely, is not as good as it needs to be. It’s all about giving the best possible facilities to the folk having the worst possible time.”

Naomi House and jacksplace’s chairman David Holmes said they are half way to the £4million needed.

He said: “We are already on the £2million mark and need support of the community to help us. I am confident that we can do it and that together we can create the most wonderful hospice in Naomi House.

“What this refurbishment does is future proof Naomi House because it will make sure that the facilities that we are able to provide will last for years to come, and are some of the best in England, and that’s really exciting.”

Lucy Butcher, volunteer services manager, said the refurbishment will also enable more volunteers to help with fundraising.

She said: “It’s going to be incredible. Not just with facilities for children and their families, but it will mean that there will be more opportunities for volunteers to come forward and help us with fundraising, by doing their own events, talks and presentations.”