Happy Valley writer backs new £12m hospice plan

Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright has urged people to support the building of a new multimillion-pound hospice in Elland.

The plans would see Overgate Hospice, which was used as a location while filming Happy Valley, transformed as part of a £12.75m project.

The new state-of-the-art facility would include individual bedrooms, a multi-faith room and accessible ensuites built within the existing grounds.

The hospice has secured about £9.75m of funding and needs to raise a further £3m to enable construction to begin.

The current hospice, built in 1994, accommodates 12 beds in shared units.

The new 16-bed centre would be built in the grounds of the existing hospice, which would be refurbished into a day hospice.

The new building would offer individual rooms giving patients more "privacy and dignity," the hospice said.

Ms Wainwright, who also wrote Gentleman Jack, has urged people to support the hospice's Big Build Appeal to raise the final £3m.

“Every life is a narrative, with chapters both joyous and challenging," she said.

"The Overgate Hospice Big Build Appeal offers us an opportunity to ensure that every story, even amidst its most difficult moments, is met with compassion and care.

"By supporting this vital cause, we’re not just constructing a building – we’re building a haven where families in Calderdale can find comfort and support during their toughest times."

Overgate Hospice chief executive Tracey Wilcocks said it was "really exciting" Ms Wainwright was lending her backing to the project.

"I think Sally is a credit to Calderdale, and hopefully Overgate is too.

"So bringing the two together is a really exciting venture."

She said the project was one of the most "important milestones" in their history of caring for people.

"We want to create something special that can help more people in a much more personal way, creating a real homely environment."