Walk boosts Zoe's Place fund by £20,000

More than 200 people yesterday walked along the banks of the River Mersey to raise cash for a Liverpool baby hospice.

The Zoe's Place Family Riverside Walk is estimated to have raised more than £20,000, which will help fund a massive refurbishment project.

Penny Williams, Zoe's Place fundraising and communications manager, said: 'We want to thank everyone who has supported us and raised money for the refurbishment which will cost more than £425,000.

'The development plans we have for the hospice are very exciting and will allow us to care for more children with complex medical needs every year.'

The walk was started by Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash, and Juice FM breakfast show presenter Leanne Campbell. Sue Weir said: 'We were delighted to sponsor Zoe's Place Family Riverside Walk 2009. The improvements will mean staff can continue to provide their specialist and invaluable work to hundreds of children and their families.'

The first Zoe's Place Baby Hospice in the UK, Zoe's Place Liverpool was established more than 15 years ago to care for babies with multiple special needs and life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across the country.

The refurbishment will create a new hospice which will be a modern, home from home environment with up-to-date technology and equipment, additional bedrooms and a larger living area.