Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell has called for residents to support Lewis-Manning Hospice, as staff fight to secure funding for their new 23-bed complex.

It is hoped the Poole hospice, just weeks away from re-opening at its Evening Hill grounds, will eventually care for around 1,200 people a year – but more than £1.6million is still needed to meet the rebuild costs.

Mr Mitchell, through his property company Seven Develop-ments, was approached by Lewis-Manning chief executive Eliz-abeth Purcell, in a bid to help them boost their coffers.

He agreed to use his architects to design an ‘Eco Home’, which will sit in a wooded area owned by the hospice.

Mr Mitchell met all costs of the design and subsequent planning application, while Lewis-Manning Trust will be able to sell the property for profit, therefore raising significant funding.

“Who knows who one day will gain first hand experience of the care being offered by the hospice,” said Mr Mitchell.

“I’m sure I am not alone when I say that I would prefer my last days to be spent sitting on Evening Hill with the view of Poole Harbour and the sun on my face, being given care by people who provide their time because they are passionate about it – not because they have to.”

Borough planners objected to the first application but now a second, re-tweaked ‘Eco-Home’, plan has been lodged.

Mr Mitchell said: “The Lewis-Manning Trust needs everybody’s support in order to make this happen for the sake of the hospice and the community.”

To show support for the plans contact Borough of Poole’s planning department.

To mark two decades years since first opening, Lewis-Manning Hospice is asking supporters to celebrate by donating £20 for 20 years.

When it reopens in April, the hospice will offer rehabilitation, respite, and for the first time – end of life care.

Only a third of the charity’s funding comes from the Poole and Bournemouth Primary Care Trust. The remaining £50,000 a month needs to be raised by hospice shops, fundraising initiatives, the hospice lottery and legacies.

The Time to Care appeal, set up to raise the rebuild funds, is still a way off its £2.5m target with £850,000 now raised.

Visit lewis-manning.co.uk to donate.

Stadium charity football festival

AFC Bournemouth will host a special charity family football festival in aid of three local hospices on Saturday, February 25.

The event at the Seward Stadium will feature a range of fun activities, including face painting, ball skill challenges and hair braiding.

Discounted family tickets will be offered for the match against MK Dons, which kicks off at 3pm.

Two adults and two children can enter for just £25 and £5 from each family ticket sold will be split between the Lewis Manning Hospice, Friends of Forest Holme and Julia’s House.

Maria Tidy, fundraising manager at Lewis-Manning Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that the Cherries are hosting another family festival as last year’s event was good fun and the funds raised will go straight back into caring for local adults with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.”

Tickets can be bought from the club store, by telephone on 0844 576 1910 or online at afcb.co.uk