BUILDING work on a vital new hospice has started.

A special turning of the sod ceremony took place to mark the first dig in the construction of the new Fair Havens Hospice, in Priory Crescent, Southend.

There were various dignitaries at the event including the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst.

She had the honour of making the first dig alongside Sophie Gander, 24, from Southend, whose mum Pauline Gander was cared for at Fair Havens before she died there in May 2013.

The ceremony took place following a blessing of the site by Bishop Stephen Cottrell and words from founder of Fair Havens Hospice, Daphne Hall, chair of the trustees, Richard Player, and Sophie Gander.

Steve Smith, New Fair Havens project director, said: “This is a huge milestone not just for the charity but for the whole community.

“We always said that we wanted to build a hospice which would last for generations and to see that plan start to come to fruition is extremely exciting.

“With building work now officially underway we will continue to plan for the future of Fair Havens and that includes raising money to ‘kit out’ the new hospice but also to recruit nurses who want to be part of the future of hospice care in South Essex.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped us take the next step towards hospice care so far.”

Fair Havens Hospice, which is currently based in Chalkwell Avenue, received final planning permission in July this year for the £17.2million new hospice building.

The new hospice will incorporate 16 in-patient bedrooms, increased day hospice services, additional family support and beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds.

It will provide support for people at all stages of their journey inside the hospice, in the community or their own home and care for their family and friends making this journey with them.

The building has been designed by architects LSI and building work is being carried out by Barnes Construction.