A MAJOR refurbishment of a specialist pools at Hope House Children’s Hospice has been completed.

The hydrotherapy facility offers seriously ill children the opportunity to take part in aquatic therapy as part of their care, which can often be a highlight of their week.

The original pool was opened in 1995, so it was in desperate need of updating, while the plant machinery was starting to fail.

Hope House physiotherapist Esme Turner said: "We offer many therapies for the children, but aquatic therapy, which makes use of the natural buoyancy, heat and resistance of the water is often the highlight of the hospice stay.

Border Counties Advertizer: Amelia Thompson enjoys making a splash as the pool opens.Amelia Thompson enjoys making a splash as the pool opens.

"Seeing a child who is usually uncomfortable in their wheelchair due to muscle spasms, smile and look relaxed in the water is so inspiring. You can really see the difference that is being made to their wellbeing and comfort."

Fundraising for the improvement scheme started before Covid-19 struck and the hospice has now received donations from 19 trusts and local organisations, including the Mark Masons.

The pool had been out of use since March 2020, to prevent cross-infection, but specialists say that it won't be long now until the children will be able to enjoy the aquatic therapy sessions again.

The work has included a total refurbishment of the pool and changing areas, the installation of new plant equipment to run the pool, and new hoists and sensory audio-visual equipment.

Border Counties Advertizer: From left, Victoria Ward, Quality Surveyor at Pave Aways, Keeley Fox, Design Manager at Pave Aways, Andy Goldsmith, Hope House Children's Hospices Chief Executive and Victoria Lawson, Commercial Director at Pave Aways. From left, Victoria Ward, Quality Surveyor at Pave Aways, Keeley Fox, Design Manager at Pave Aways, Andy Goldsmith, Hope House Children's Hospices Chief Executive and Victoria Lawson, Commercial Director at Pave Aways.

Head of estates and facilities, Andy Wilkinson, said he is very grateful to all involved in the projects and the 19 fundraisers, particularly the building contractor Pave Aways, which carried out the main refurbishment at cost.

Steven Owen, managing director of Pave Aways, said: “Hope House does phenomenal work supporting children and their families, so it was a privilege to be able to design and deliver the refurbishment of this important facility for the hospice.

"We’re passionate about giving something back to the communities in Shropshire and Wales where we work and our team really enjoyed transforming the hydro pool, particularly our architect and design manager Keeley Fox, who masterminded the drawings and work onsite.

"We hope the children have great fun using it."