3000 cash injection to baby hospice by Fortec

Generous licensee members in the Fortec Distribution Network have raised more than 3,000 for a new baby hospice which is soon to open near Coventry.
 
Zoe's Place will be only the third of its kind in the UK and will offer care to babies with life limiting and life threatening illnesses or those who have special complex needs.  The other two are in Liverpool and Middlesborough which Fortec also plans to support through its licensee network.

 
Fortec members raised the money with a raffle and sale of teddy bears when they gathered for their annual awards dinner which took place at the Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire.
 
The donation will pay for two resuscitation dolls to be used in the training of nurses as well as a projector and screen as well as sponsor a commemorative brick in 'Zoe's Lane' which has been designed to acknowledge the support of Fortec and other sponsors.
 
Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of Fortec, said: "Zoe's Place is doing something quite special for families whose children face life-threatening illnesses by providing a hospice dedicated to their needs.
 
"The charity has obviously touched our members' hearts and they have responded magnificently. I am delighted that their donation will help Zoe's Place buy more of the equipment they need."
 
Zoe's Place will officially open in July this year and will provide beds for up to six babies at any one time. Up to 40 families will be helped each year and the hospice will cost up to 750,000 a year to run at full capacity. It will be wholly dependent on charitable donations.
 
All the equipment will be baby-specific, from the cots to a multisensory pod and soft play equipment, and the atmosphere will be as relaxing and friendly as possible to put families at ease.
 
Kelvin Green, Fundraising Manager, Zoe's Place accepted the cheque on behalf of the hospice and commented:  "Although only having been involved for just a few weeks, Fortec has really come to the fore.  We are absolutely thrilled at the support they have given us so far and look forward to working with them over the coming year."