A HOSPICE which cares for terminally ill East Lancashire children has unveiled a brand new look to begin its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The new face of Derian House was unveiled by ‘Derian Danni’, the hospice’s new mascot.

The character’s appearance reflects the new logo, signs and website, all of which were updated to project more accurately what Chorley-based Derian House means to the families it supports.

Fundraising manager Susie Poppitt, said: “Derian Danni will be present at all major events and fund raising initiatives to encourage supporters to dig deep to enable the hospice realise the funds it needs to survive.

“This year, we will need £2.9 million to enable us to continue our work and the hard work of Derian Danni and all our supporters and volunteers is more vital than ever.”

The hospice opened in 1993, to help the families whose children were facing life limiting conditions.

It offers a safe haven where families from throughout the region could spend precious final days with a seriously ill child.

Siblings, parents, grandparents and the wider family are offered a ‘home from home’, with support from the hospice team.

Originally, Derian House supported only young children, but with the advances in medical science many of the children facing life limiting conditions have survived into young adulthood.

To accommodate the requirements of these young people, who are a very important part of the Derian family, the hospice has added the Lodge, a purpose built facility which opened in 2010.