Craft room gift gives Brian House Hospice a colourful boost

Staff and children at Brian House with visitors from HSBC and Room in the bright new craft area

When Brian House was refurbished with the help of the Gazette’s Hospice Heroes appeal in 2014, the craft room was one of the few parts of the hospice not to be included in the upgrade.

Thanks to a £7,360 grant from HSBC all that has changed.

Fitted out in primary colours, with loads of storage cupboards and drawers for art and craft materials and extra space for tables and chairs, the room will make a big difference to the children of all ages who use it.

Interior design specialist, Room Makers of Bispham, project managed the refurbishment and the result is a bright and modern area with huge amounts of secure storage and extra floor space.

Lauren Bainbridge, Carl Jordan and Tim Durham from HSBC were among the first visitors, calling in for a cup of tea with hospice staff and youngsters. Steve Dunne from Room Makers was also there, and the Brian House youngsters had made special thank you cards.

Brian House Corporate Fundraiser Janet Atkins said: “HSBC’s support has been amazing.

“They have helped us financially but have also given their time, helping to clear out the old craft room in advance of the work, and doing other much-needed jobs around the hospice.

“Room, who have worked with us on other improvements here at Brian House, have project managed the entire refurbishment and we now have a craft facility to be very proud of. It will be a place of creativity, laughter and fun – especially as we approach Christmas and the glitter comes out!

“I want to say a huge thank you to HSBC and everyone involved. At any one time Brian House supports around 80 local children, and I know they will get so many hours of pleasure from their bright new craft room.”