By Susanna Wilkey THE £3.7 million transformation of the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead has reached a huge milestone with the completion of half of its accommodation project. The hospice, which looks after people with cancer, celebrated its halfway poin

By Susanna Wilkey

THE £3.7 million transformation of the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead has reached a huge milestone with the completion of half of its accommodation project.

The hospice, which looks after people with cancer, celebrated its halfway point with the unveiling of 12 new rooms.

The Project Butterfly Appeal now desperately needs another £200,000 to finish off the project and the Ham&High is appealing to readers to dig deep.

The revamp will improve privacy, independence and dignity for patients and their families.

Multi-bed rooms are being converted into single en-suite rooms and patients will be able to control their lighting, heating, TV and internet access from their bedside.

Hospice manager Rachel Anticoni said: "When we first spoke to our patients about the project, they said they wanted a place which was styled more like a hotel and less like a hospital.

"With the community's help, we are turning the hospice into a beautiful setting which enhances the well-being and quality of life of our patients and their families.

"We now need £200,000 to meet our appeal target - so I'm calling on everyone to do what they can to help us get there."

Last November, boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper threw his weight behind the appeal.

And among the many other supporters is the Pears Foundation, which has already made a £250,000 donation.

Appeal chairman and executive chairman of the foundation, Trevor Pears, said: "Our company has been based in Hampstead for more than 15 years - during which time my brothers and I have heard about the fantastic work of Marie Curie Hospice on many occasions.

"It is, therefore, a particular pleasure to have chaired this campaign and for our foundation to contribute to the rejuvenation of the hospice, which will continue to provide the best possible care for many years to come."

susanna.wilkey@hamhigh.co.uk