A North East baby hospice celebrating its 20th year has spoken of its future financial challenges as a sister branch faces closure.

Zoe's Place Middlesbrough has given assurances that it continues to operate "business as usual" despite the challenges facing its sister Liverpool branch, which is facing closure after its building lease was not renewed. 

The Middlesbrough site, which is presently looking after 40 babies with seven on the waiting list, still has six years on its current lease, offering a degree of stability for the immediate future. 

The lease for the building it presently occupies - on High Street in Normanby - is with the same company as the Liverpool branch. 

The Middlesbrough hospice, one of only three in the UK, operates primarily through charitable donations, which makes up about 80 per cent of its funding. 

Public contributions, community fundraisers and events such as The Great North Run play a vital role in maintaining its services. 

However, financial pressures are continuing to mount, and a spokesperson for the hospice told The Northern Echo, that it does anticipate the need for a future capital appeal to secure its long-term future and avoid the fate of the Liverpool branch. 

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A spokesperson for the hospice said: "We don't want to worry anyone, but in the near future, we will be putting out a capital appeal to ensure we don't face a similar situation to Liverpool where they have 30 days to find £5 million before it is forced to close its doors.

"Zoe's place offers essential respite care for families caring for terminally ill children, allowing parents time to rest while their children are looked after by expert staff. So we are asking people not to forget about us and to keep fundraising and making efforts. 

"For many, the hospice provides a home away from home where families can find the care they need for children who may not otherwise have access to the necessary support. 

"The Middlesbrough hospice has been a lifeline for lots of families for two decades, supporting children from birth until the age of five. 

"As the hospice approaches its 20th anniversary, the need for ongoing financial support remains pressing. 

"Donations not only help provide daily care for the children but also ensure the hospice can continue its work into the future, offering vital support to families across the North East and beyond."

Zoe's Place is urging the local community to help sustain its services and ensure it can continue providing care for families in need, not only through donations but also by volunteering for them or just sharing their social media accounts to reach more people. 

For more information on the work of the hospice, visit zoes-place.org.uk