CANCER SUFFERERS and the terminally ill can experience the ultimate in care at the new St Rocco's Hospice.

The £1.5 million building, in Lockton Lane, Bewsey, is the result of almost nine years of planning and fundraising. Nursing staff, volunteers, administrators, fundraisers and patients all joined forces to design the building so that patients could receive the best care and facilities, equivalent to those in any private hospital or even a hotel!

The hospice has 10 ensuite bedrooms and room for up to 15 day-patients. This is very different from the days of shared rooms and long waiting lists for day care. Families can now stay with their loved ones in their own room, there is space for aromatherapy and even hairdressing, as well as a physiotherapy suite.

One new feature is the 'light and sound room.' This contains fibre-optics, a projector playing soothing images across the ceiling, relaxing music and a massage bed.

Every doorway in the hospice is wide enough to allow a bed to pass through it, giving even the most seriously ill patients access to the courtyards and gardens. Water features, known for their relaxing abilities, take pride of place in the specially designed gardens which were created and planted by generous staff at North West Water.

The charity has come a long way since the first hospice was opened in 1985 at the former St Ann's Vicarage, Orford Road. The name of St Rocco was chosen because traditionally, 'rocco' means a stronghold or place of refuge. In the Middle Ages, a Frenchman, who later became St Rocco, nursed people suffering from the plague. Cancer is often thought of as the modern-day plague.

This venture was made possible through the generosity of individuals, community groups and businesses across Warrington and beyond, and even though the hospice is finished, the fundraising will carry on. It will cost around £850,000 a year to run the new building and it is hoped that, one day, there may be the opportunity to expand, offering an even better service to those in need.

New fundraisers and volunteers are always welcome and if you can help, call the appeals office team on 579204

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