A MAJOR construction project at a north Hampshire hospice has marked an important milestone.

As previously reported, Naomi House and Jacksplace is in the midst of a £4million Caterpillar Appeal redevelopment project, and a ‘topping out’ ceremony has now been performed.

The ceremony – a ritual which has been observed by the building trade for hundreds of years – saw a ceremonial tile being placed on the Sutton Scotney hospice’s new roof.

Alistair Stewart OBE was joined by Naomi Cornelius-Reid, after whom the hospice is named, to perform the ritual in front of guests.

Attendees gathered to hear about the Caterpil-lar fundraising appeal and see the progress that has been made by construction firm Reside, including the creation of nearly 1,000 square metres of new living areas, play spaces and family accommodation.

Plans also include increasing the size of bedrooms by one-third, the creation of a new bereavement room and garden of reflection, creation of a sensory therapy room and spaces for messy play, music therapy and more.

For the first time, Naomi House will be joined to its sister hospice, Jacksplace, by a bridge, which will allow children to make use of the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool.

The tile was placed by Alastair and Naomi on the roof of the new ‘hub’ – a brand new extension to the hospice that will, when complete, accommodate a dining room, living room, spiritual space, roof garden and access to improved family accommodation.

So far, more than £3.1m has been raised since the launch of the Caterpillar Appeal in February last year. To find out more, visit caterpillarappeal.org.uk.