WINCHESTER campaigners kickstarted their appeal to build a new hospice by taking to the streets to get support from local businesses.

The charity plans to raise more than £2.5 million to convert Burrell House in the grounds of Royal Hampshire County Hospital into a 10-bed hospice supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice will also host day therapy and outpatient facilities, as well as a hospice at home service, which will support patients who wish to remain in their own home when they are in their last few weeks.

Fundraiser Judith Charmer said: “Today we are looking for support and contributions from local businesses. Thus far the scheme has received £700,000 in legacy grants but more is needed for the hospice to reach its target and open in early 2019.”

As well as seeking contributions from local businesses, Winchester Hospice are planning several fundraising events including a Ball at the Guildhall on December 14 in collaboration with Winchester Rotary.

There will also be a buy-a-brick scheme this summer which will allow the public to have a brick of the hospice engraved with the name of a close person who has died and form part of a larger memorial wall.

A spokesperson for Winchester Hospice said: “As you may know, outstanding end of life care is already provided by our staff at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover and by our dedicated staff across our hospitals.

“We recognise that Andover is a long way for patients and their families to travel from Winchester, Eastleigh and the surrounding area. By creating a new hospice in Winchester and continuing with the plans to expand the Countess of Brecknock Hospice, we can ensure that even more people are able to access these valuable services.”

Winchester Rotary have also named Winchester Hospice as its dedicated charity for the upcoming year.

President-elect Les Haswell, whose year begins in July, said: “Creating a hospice in Winchester is an incredibly important project that is of such value to the local people of Winchester and the surrounding area, which will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

Responding, Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which will run the hospice, said: “We are thrilled that the Winchester Hospice has been chosen as a charity partner for the next year and are incredibly grateful for the Rotary’s support.

“We think creating a hospice in Winchester will make a really positive difference in the local community.”