THE Salisbury Journal has given a little seasonal cheer to Naomi House Children’s Hospice by handing over a cheque for £5,000.

The cash will be used to fund a bed in the new Jacksplace building at the hospice, which is due to open in the new year.

Fundraisers say all donations are important to the hospice, particularly while it is still trying to recover the cash that was frozen following the collapse of the Kaupthing, Singer and Friendlander Bank in Iceland.

The hospice has more than 300 young people or families to currently support and included in these are 41 from Wiltshire, with 14 in Salisbury.

Jane Tabor, Director of Fundraising, said: “We make a long-term commitment to them all and welcome them back for as long as possible.”

Jacksplace has been built because of the need created out of medical advance. “The life expectancy of many children with life-limiting illness has grown and some live to become young adults,” said Jane.

The centre has been purpose built with this age group in mind. It has separate bedrooms, bathrooms, a television and dining area, specially constructed pool and treatment room, quiet areas and rooms for families.

Bill Browne, editor and publisher of Salisbury Newspapers, presented the money to the hospice following a successful application to the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the newspaper group’s owners Newsquest.

He said: “It is only when you take a walk around Jacksplace that you realise what great thought and effort has gone into it. It is a world apart from a hospital ward, which obviously has other priorities. Instead, Jacksplace offers a facility that any young person would be able to appreciate and enjoy.”