The Duke of Kent performed the official opening today, Monday, of Horizon West, the new Children’s Hospice located in Fermanagh.

During a tour of the facility, the Duke met with local families, children and staff and heard how the £1.2m facility is making a positive difference to the lives of families and local children living with a life-limiting condition. The ambitious fundraising appeal was launched six years ago and in spite of the worst recession in decades, people power and the generosity of the local public have made the vision of Horizon West a reality.

Seeing first-hand the impact of donations and hospice care, the Duke interacted with children in the multi-sensory room, met families using the accommodation and shared some special moments in the art room with staff and children creating a piece of art. The creative piece, made of clay, will include the word ‘Solace’ – a contribution of the Duke that will be placed in the garden as a memento of the official opening.

Heather Weir, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice, thanked the Duke of Kent for officially opening Horizon West and contributing to the art project.

“Families when first faced with the harsh realities experience the worst, but in hospice they find the best,” said Heather, adding: “First class delivery of children’s palliative care is life changing. Families are offered the chance to live a life they never thought could be possible. They find ‘solace’ - calm, comfort, consolation, cheer, support and relief.” She noted that the art feature, when completed, will be a lasting reminder to everyone who sees it that hospice care is a journey of the most specialist and most loving care possible. “It will also remind us of your visit today and for marking the official opening of Horizon West – a new Children’s Hospice in Fermanagh and Tyrone,” she said.

The fundraising appeal, launched five years ago, has been driven locally by the Fermanagh Support Group who have galvanised community and businesses to support the charity.

Paying tribute to the ongoing generosity of the public and overwhelming response to the campaign, Fermanagh Support Group Chairman, Gladys O’Callaghan acknowledged: “What has been achieved locally in Fermanagh and Tyrone is extraordinary.” The Children’s Hospice currently supports 30 children in the Fermanagh and Tyrone area together with their siblings, parents and grandparents.