THE first foundations have been laid at Lewis-Manning Hospice as it undergoes a £2.5million rebuild.

The former home of Marjorie Lewis-Manning, left in trust to become a hospice, has been demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art building.

Work began a month ago with the clearing of the Evening Hill site, but after this first milestone, the charity hopes to have work finished by the end of this year.

Elizabeth Purcell, chief executive officer at Lewis-Manning, said: “We are delighted with how well the build is coming on. Our contractors Amiri and the Edwards Partnership have been very helpful and we are looking forward to moving into the new building in January next year.”

The new hospice will provide all the services it does now – a day hospice, lymphoedema and breathlessness clinics, fatigue and anxiety management and carers’ support. Its improved day care facilities will also include a gymnasium and music room.

With the addition of 15 en suite bedrooms allowing overnight stays for the first time, the charity will also be able to provide much needed respite care, intensive rehabilitation and end of life care.

The Lilliput hospice launched its £2.5million Time to Care Appeal in Summer 2009 and has raised £700,000 so far.

The hospice continues to operate out of a temporary base at the Fourways Centre in Constitution Hill Road in Poole.

Information about the Time to Care Appeal can be found at <&bh"http://www.lewis-manning.co.uk">lewis-manning.co.uk<&eh> or by calling the team on 01202 701000.