A NEW £775,000 day hospice at St Luke’s Hospice, Basildon, was opened by ex-boyband singer Scott Robinson and hospice chief executive Eileen Marshall.

The site at Nethermayne has activity areas and offices for extended day hospice care and out-patient clinics, a specialist physiotherapy service, a new library, information hub and improved complementary therapies and clinical facilities.

Scott, who found fame with boyband 5ive, and wife, Kerry, from Pitsea, opened the new build after winning £20,000 for the hospice on ITV’s All Star Mr and Mrs.

They donated their winnings after Kerry’s nan, Vera Mugrove, was cared for at the hospice in her final days.

Scott cut the ribbon which was followed by a balloon release, tours of the new building and tea and cakes in the hospice garden for guests.

Eileen Marshall, chief executive, said: “We are extremely grateful and thank everyone who worked so hard on this project, which will enable the hospice to take a significant step forward in helping more people.”