A HOSPICE has at last opened to provide care and support for children with life-shortening conditions and their families — more than three years after undergoing a £1.2million refurbishment.

Forget Me Not Children's Hospice has announced the official opening of its Radcliffe site — Grace's Place — which will serve families with sick children in Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale.

Grace's Place was refurbished at a cost of £1.2m in 2014.

It began providing a hospice at home service last year but is now able to care for children in-house at its centre in Dumers Lane.

Sharon Burton, Director of Care, said the opening has been achieved, in large part, thanks to the fundraising efforts of supporters, community groups and businesses, and the hard work of the Forget Me Not team.

She said: “We made a promise to the local community that Grace’s Place would be open and ready to provide support to families in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale by the end of 2018. So we’re extremely proud to be able to announce that we have delivered on that promise.

"Over the last year the building has been transformed to make sure families feel comfortable here.

"None of this would have been possible without the support of our local community. A huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered, fundraised, attended an event or even just shared a post on our Facebook page."

Grace's Place includes children's and family bedrooms, a toy-filled play area and space for parents to relax.

There is also a sensory room and a private and peaceful space called the Snowflake Room, where bereaved families can spend time together and say their last goodbyes.

To continue its work, Grace's Place has called on the community to keep on raising funds to support them.

To get involved, visit www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/gracesplace/how-you-can-help or call 0161 724 5269.