THE new state-of-the-art Lewis-Manning Hospice is springing up fast in Poole.

The charity is on course to move into the £2.5million re-built home at Evening Hill next April, when it will be able to double the number of people it cares for to 1,200.

They will be able to stay overnight for the first time in 15 en suite bedrooms, get treatment in purpose-built clinics and develop their mobility in a gym.

Builders hope to have the roofs and windows on all the buildings, with stunning views across the Harbour, within a month.

Lewis-Manning’s chief executive officer Elizabeth Purcell says the dream of replacing the old hospice, left by Marjorie Lewis-Manning, began around five years ago.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for us,” she said.

“It’s like the longest pregnancy of the history of the world. To see it nearly built is unbelievably wonderful, from something that was just an idea, a vision, for Poole.”

The charity turns 20 next year.

Elizabeth added: “It’s important that people have a safe, comfortable, supportive place to die and it’s an exceptional privilege for us to be able to look after them.”

Though times are hard financially, she’d appeal for people to donate to the charity’s Buy a Brick Appeal and dedicate a part of the hospice to a lost loved one.

More than £50,000 is needed from the community each month, which will double when the new hospice opens.

• Volunteers are desperately needed to help at the hospice or with fundraising events.

Call 01202 708470 to help out.

Zumba Smash, an attempt to break the world record for the largest Zumba fitness class, takes place at the BIC on Saturday.

Proceeds also go to The Wessex Autistic Society.

And on Sunday, fundraisers can run, walk or jog the Hospice 10K, 5K or 1K, from Bournemouth Pier from 10am.

Visit hospiceevents.org to register by Saturday for this event, which will also benefit Julia’s House and Friends of Forest Holme.