Frankie's Den - bought with funds donated to the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation - has opened, offering a third 'home from home' for families of poorly babies and children who need treatment in Southampton.
While it is a place that no one would ever want to stay, it has been designed as a comfortable, welcoming environment for parents, carers and siblings while young patients are being treated at the city's hospital.
Frankie's Den is the third such apartment - following the original purchase of Aggie's Burrow, and the subsequent acquisition of Isaac's Pad.
Each of the properties are near Southampton Hospital - and each are now owned outright by the PPBF, the local charity founded and managed by Jo and Andy Priaulx following the premature birth of their two children, Sebastian and Daniella.
Frankie's Den has been donated to the charity by Ken and Linda Acott. They were at the official opening on Friday.
Frankie’s Den was named after the Acott’s family's late dog with a portrait of Frankie, commissioned by artist Ryan Dawe, also unveiled on the day.
Pictured (l-r): Ken and Linda Acott and Jo and Andy Priaulx.
Ongoing running costs for Frankie's Den, Aggie's Burrow and Isaac's Pad are paid by the PPBF with the ‘Buy-A-Night’ campaign allowing supporters to sponsor a night at one of the properties.
Jo Priaulx, co-founder of the PPBF said the opening of their third flat was testament to the teamwork behind the charity.
"So much hard work has gone into getting this flat ready for its big opening."
Pictured: Frankie's Den has two bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge/diner and bathroom for families to use near Southampton Hospital.
"It will be the first time that Ken and Linda see the finished space and we hope they love it as much as we do. This immense gift will allow us to help many more families, for years to come.
"Thank you to Dean Allen, our Property Manager, the team at Ferbrache & Farrell, our campaign sponsors Hand Picked Hotels, and to everyone who has bought a night. Now that we’re a family of three, fundraising will be more important than ever."
The charity is continuing to fundraise to pay the ongoing running costs of the three apartments in Southampton as well as its other services supporting families of premature babies and ill children in the Bailiwick.
The pictures below have been provided by the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation.
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