SURVEYOR Rebecca Thursby had special reason to welcome ambassadors of Julia's House to Devizes when they put on hard hats to see the progress on the new children's hospice.

For Mrs Thursby, who works for the building's main contractor Wates Construction, knows more than most what a difference the charity can make to families in Wiltshire.

When the Gazette launched its 200 Appeal to raise £100,000 for the charity during 2016, Mrs Thursby and her daughter Sophia, three, from All Cannings, near Devizes, appeared on our front page to tell their story.

Sophia was born with an array of medical problems which means she is unable to walk or talk and suffers fits many times a day. The family was struggling to cope before Julia's House nurses and carers came into their lives to offer respite care.

She was on hand to explain to the ambassadors, including Devizes MP Claire Perry, the difference Julia's House has made to the lives to her and her husband Damion and their other child Harry, five.

Mrs Thursby, 34, said: "This is no ordinary contract for me, this is not just about doing a good job for the client, this feels like a very personal project because I know how much it will mean, not only to my family but to families all over Wiltshire.

“We are all working really collaboratively which is so rewarding. I have even had some input in the design from my perspective as a parent. I am so pleased to be part of it all."

To help with the costs of the project, Mrs Thursby and some of her team from Wates Construction took part in a sponsored cycle journey in a Hospice to Hospice Cycle Ride which raised nearly £10,000.

Among those visiting the hospice along with Mrs Perry were Lady Venetia Fuller, Peter Wragg who were joined by Julia’s House CEO Martin Edwards, Peter's wife, Jane and joining Mrs Thursby from Wates Construction was commercial manager Graeme Connal.

Mrs Thursby's mother-in-law Vee, from Patney, is organising a teddy bear's picnic at Nursteed House in Devizes on Saturday (20) from 2pm to raise money for the Gazette's Julia's House appeal.

Entrance is free but people will pay a small fee to enter a wide range of teddy bear contests which will be judged by Devizes Mayor Jane Burton and staff of Moonraker Bears in Sidmouth Street, Devizes.

The hospice's Wiltshire fundraising staff are keen for anyone who can help raise money for the new centre. Wiltshire fundraising manager Ian Wadley said: "We are keen to hear from Wiltshire individuals, businesses, community groups, schools, sports clubs and anybody who is keen to make a difference to such an important project.

"Julia’s House has great experience of partnering with businesses, individuals and groups throughout the community in Dorset. And we now need to build that same level of fantastic, loyal support in Wiltshire."

To find out more contact him on 01980 677105 or email ian.wadley@juliashouse.org

To see an aerial video of the work being carried out at Julia's House go to gazetteandherald.co.uk