New therapeutic pool will help to make dreams come true for families

For most families, a trip to the swimming pool is a simple pleasure. However, for those supported by Martin House Children's Hospice, where children live with life-shortening and complex conditions, it is often impossible.

- by Harriet Sutton

Since its launch in April 2024, THE BUILD, a major transformation project of the hospice with a £2m public appeal target, has already made a profound impact. It recently reached significant milestones: raising £1m in donations and opening its new, purpose-built Children's Wing.

Phase two of THE BUILD will introduce a hydrotherapy pool designed to manage children's symptoms, ease muscle spasms, and provide freedom for children with movement disorders - while providing essential time for family bonding.

For Ava, who was diagnosed with a random gene deletion, the hydrotherapy pool will help to aid her regular physiotherapy as she is unable to sit or walk.