A CAMPAIGN to raise millions of pounds to build a children's hospice in the North-East will be launched tomorrow.
The drive to provide the facility in Sunderland is being spearheaded by TV personality Kathy Secker. The launch coincides with National Children's Hospice Week.
Ms Secker said more than 1,200 children would benefit from a children's hospice.
At present, only four beds are available in the region, while a further eight will be provided by St Oswald's in Newcastle from January 2003.
Ms Secker said: "Some families in the North-East have to travel to Scotland for hospice care. This is a huge challenge. We must raise an estimated £10m to build and help maintain the children's hospice."
Dr Geoff Lawson, clinical director of children's services at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said: "A survey showed that there are well over 100 families in South Shields, Sunderland, Washington and Seaham who would benefit from hospice care for their child.
"We know how hard it is for the families without access to respite care.
"A children's hospice in Sunderland is a huge project, but I am confident that the generous people south of the Tyne will rise to the challenge to support it."
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