EASTLEIGH MP SUPPORTS NAOMI HOUSE IN HOSPICE WEEK

11.30.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Sep 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne showed his support for the Naomi House children's hospice with a visit this week to discuss future plans with the chairman and chief executive of the leading Hampshire charity.

Mr Huhne met Khalid Aziz, the chairman of the trustees, and Ray Kipling, the chief executive (all pictured) and was given a tour of the existing 10-bed facility and of the building site for the new £12 million facility for teenagers and young adults at Sutton Scotney.

Mr Huhne's visit was timed to take place in national children's hospice week. He said that he particularly welcomed the wonderful work that Naomi House does to help terminally ill children and their families across the seven southern counties.

"Naomi House has been a favourite charity of many people in Eastleigh for many years because of the great work it does with children. There is nothing more heart-rending than the early end of lives so full of hope and promise" he said.

"Naomi House provides typically 16 nights a year respite for families caring for terminally ill youngsters in an environment which is pleasant, happy and supportive. I hope that the continuing appeal for the remaining £3 million to finish the new facility will be fantastically successful this year.

"I also heard about the worries that the hospice has for the small slice of future funding from the Government, which is due to run down its modest contribution on the understanding that the Hampshire primary care trust will pick it up. Naomi House must not be dropped in the relay handover" Mr Huhne said.