THE first turf was cut to mark the start of the expansion of Andover’s much-loved hospice on Friday.

Countess of Brecknock Hospice’s £4.2 million expansion project is becoming a reality with contractor Amiri Construction joined by hospice staff, trustees, volunteers and patients to celebrate the milestone.

Working to the designs made up by Hampshire-based Morse Webb Architects, Amiri Construction will be bringing the plans to life at the Andover War Memorial Hospital site, with completion expected in October 2019.

The construction comes four years after the initial idea, and after an appeal earlier this year for the hospice to raise the last £100,000 for the project, which is still ongoing.

Hospice trust director Michele Gard said: “It is really exciting that work is starting on our new extension.

“We are so grateful for all the support and donations we have received from individuals, businesses and organisations.

“We’re getting there, the response to our appeal has been brilliant and there’s lots of fundraising going on for us.”

A two-storey building hosting ten new single en-suite inpatient rooms, a multi-use treatment room, enlarged day care centre and new relatives room are among the facilities being created.

The new building will also be connected to the existing site, and other new facilities to expect include assisted bathrooms, a quiet room, a new reception area with stairs and a lift leading down to the inpatient wings.

The extension is hoped to open in late 2019.

Dr Lara Alloway, medical director at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that work has begun.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work with our partners at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice Trust to provide outstanding end of life care for the community in Andover.

“A huge amount of work has been involved in getting to this stage and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of that, whether through fundraising or behind the scenes.”

The hospice is an independent charity which cares for more than 800 people a year, but aims to support more following the extension.

To find out more or donate go to countessofbrecknockhospice.co.uk.