Gerrard among Liverpool legends SAVING local hospice

A number of Liverpool legends have joined a campaign to save a vital children's hospice.

Zoe's Place, which has offered palliative and end-of-life care for babies and young children at its Yew Tree Lane centre in West Derby since 1995, shocked the city last week with the announcement that it will be closing its doors permanently.

The charity's lease on its current site is set to expire next year, and it revealed that time has run out to raise the necessary funds for a new location. However, the heartbreaking news has triggered an overwhelming wave of support, with people across Merseyside rallying together to try and save the facility.

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Gerrard's emotional message

A city-wide campaign was launched to raise £5m to help try and fund a new site for the charity. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has pledged his support to the campaign and shared an emotional video with the Liverpool Echo.

"I just wanted to do a little short video message regarding Zoe's Place. This is a charity that is very close to myself" said Gerrard. "It's one that I've supported for many years. Giving these children and these kids the best end of life care is really important for all the families that are local and beyond.

"I'd ask everyone to dig deep as they possibly can and please raise as much money as we possibly can to save Zoe's Place. I'll certainly be supporting it. This is really important for our city. In times of need, this is when the city all pulls together and we'll get there."

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Forever Reds offer support

Liverpool FC’s former players association, Forever Reds, has also pledged £150,000 in a bid to help save Zoe’s Place, according to the Liverpool Echo. The foundation has been exploring ways to assist since the news broke and is contributing to the city-wide campaign to allow Zoe’s Place to continue its essential work.

The donation was made possible by money raised through Forever Reds’ annual fundraising events, including the Forever Reds Golf Day, Christmas Lunch, and the LFC Foundation legends game. These events have long supported local causes, and now the funds will go directly towards ensuring Zoe’s Place can remain a lifeline for families in need.

Former player and chairman of Forever Reds John Aldridge said: “When we heard the news about Zoe’s Place we wanted to do our bit and support with vital funds. I visited the hospice last year as part of our previous donation to the charity and seeing first-hand the work they do was incredible and very emotional.

“We hope this donation can help make a difference and that the ongoing campaign will reach its target and enable this fantastic charity to continue its great work supporting local families.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated to Forever Reds, whether that’s attending one of our events or the annual LFC Foundation legends game. It means a lot to put this money back into our local community.”

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