Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) is delighted to announce that a site has been found for the location of their third children's hospice in the South West and that a planning application will be made in the coming months.

Since the Precious Lives Appeal was launched in September 2007, CHSW have set about locating the perfect site on which to build their hospice in Cornwall which will primarily serve life limited children in Cornwall and Plymouth. After consultation with both professionals in the field and families from Cornwall and Plymouth who could eventually benefit from this service, a list of criteria was set to ensure that as many of the needs identified were met.

The most important criteria identified was the accessibility for as many families as possible, and mid Cornwall presented itself as the ideal location. Key criteria were identified as follows: Equally accessible for families from West Cornwall and Plymouth At least 4 to 5 acres land A light and optimistic setting to equal that of our two precious developments and to fulfil expectations of what Cornwall has to offer Access to palliative care expertise Near a settlement that has a range of amenities which can promote family enjoyment To seek a donation of land or secure a purchase price that is as low as possible A green field development in order to reduce constructions costs

Since starting the search CHSW have been approached by a number of people with very kind donations of land, which has been wonderful. CHSW has carefully considered all of the generous offers made and identified a site which meets ALL of the search criteria.

Local Farmer, Howard Rosevear and his wife Shirley kindly offered a piece of land for consideration just off Porthpean Road on the outskirts of St Austell.

Mr Rosevear explained that "forty years ago Mrs Cobbald-Sawle of the Penrice Estate kindly allowed me to become one of her tenant farmers. Subsequently I bought the land and now in my twilight years I simply want to repay Mrs Cobbald-Sawle's generosity to me, by giving something back to the community where she was such a great benefactor. Her generosity to me has allowed me to be generous. I think the project to build a children's hospice for the life limited children of Cornwall and Plymouth is a fantastic endeavour and one which is very close to our hearts. I wish Children's Hospice South West every success and am pleased to offer my encouragement to the Precious Lives Appeal."

Eddie Farwell, Co-Founder & Chief Executive of Children's Hospice South West said "we are thrilled and humbled by Shirley and Howard Rosevear's extraordinary gift of this most marvellous and ideal site. I would like to thank them on behalf of all the children and families who will use the hospice in the coming years"

The site chosen is very near St Austell Bay, and this very special hospice will enjoy beautiful views over the wonderful Cornish countryside.

CHSW are delighted to announce that they are now pursing the relevant planning permissions on the donated site, and discussions with Restormel Borough are already underway. It is hoped that the planning permissions will be given and gives hope for a turf cut in mid 2009

The facility will be similar in nature to Little Bridge House in North Devon, being a green field site. And although the site will determine the facility to some extent, the floor space and facilities on offer will be very similar, whist also ensuring that the design and build are homely, sustainable and above all in keeping with the surrounding area.

Leah Parker, Senior Commissioning Manager, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT is delighted that the fundraising for this important provision is making excellent progress. "The extremely generous contribution of the land from Mr and Mrs Rosevear will enable children and young people with life threatening conditions to access respite care close to their homes in Cornwall and Plymouth. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust look forward to working with the Children's Hospice South West ensuring that it the provision is fully integrated in to the wide range of children's support services available in Cornwall."

Commenting, MP for Truro & St Austell, Matthew Taylor said, "I am so pleased that CHSW are today able, thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Rosevear, to announce that a site has been found for the proposed new hospice. This good news means a big step has been taken to having a children's hospice in Cornwall. These hospices provide absolutely vital care and support for local children and their families. CHSW have provided incredible help to these families for over a decade but it has been a long way from home. The proposed site of the new hospice means that in future this help will be available close for to home for Cornish families. As a father myself I am certain that it would be a tremendous comfort knowing that such excellent care was as near at hand as possible.'

James Whitford and his family from Redruth have been visiting CHSW for 4 and half years, James's Mum Heather explains why the Precious Lives Appeal and the site announcement means so much to her, James and the rest of the family:

"We couldn't be more pleased that that hospice is to be built in St Austell. We have been struggling to make the long journey to Little Bridge House at times, and with the possibility of one day having to stop our hospice visits altogether this couldn't be better news for us. Having the hospice less than an hours drive away means that we can still benefit from the wonderful service that Little Bridge House and Charlton Farm currently provide us and other families like ours. We are so grateful that this is happening and that hopefully we will be able to benefit from it when it is finally built. Thank you to the kind gentleman who donated the land and all of the supporters who continue to raise funds and continue to make this possible for us.'

Notes to Editors:

• Eddie and the late Jill Farewell set up the charity in 1991 after having two life-limited children of their own
• Children's Hospice South West's first hospice Little Bridge House was opened in September 1995
• A second hospice, Charlton Farm opened it's doors to families in April 2007
• This third children's hospice will provide a greater choice for hospice care for families from across the South West, and a facility closer to home to those living in Cornwall, Plymouth and surrounding areas
• Plans for the site and architect drawings are not yet available