AFTER 27 years, Darlington parents Martin Watson and Jacky Vigurs are about to witness their dream for WA to be home to a children’s hospice become a reality.

Their vision was sparked when they visited a children’s hospice in Manchester in 1996 with their daughter, Hannah, who was born with a rare condition that required round-the-clock care.

Inspired by that trip, the parents established the Children’s Hospice Association in WA in 1999.

In 2008, the organisation became Perth not-for-profit Hannah’s House, which provides care, comfort and joy to children with life-limiting and complex conditions, and their families – including free respite care, thanks to their supporters.

“At that children’s hospice in Manchester, we experienced a great sense of community,” Mr Martin said.

“It was a place where problems and the relentless care of a dependent or sick child could be shared, and friendship and support offered in a practical way, and we knew we needed that in WA, which is what prompted us to set up what is now Hannah’s House.”

Now, with Sandcastles Children’s Hospice (Boodja Mia) in Swanbourne due to be completed this year, the couple said they were very glad the hospice has become a reality.

“Before Hannah died in 2010 at the age of 19, she - like many children with complex needs in WA - was cared for at home full time, with many visits to hospital along the way,” Ms Vigurs said.

“While we are so grateful for the support we received and extremely proud of the in-home care Hannah’s House delivers, Martin and I always dreamed of having the house to ourselves for short periods while Hannah was comprehensively looked after out of home, but in a place that wasn’t a hospital.

“We know many families like ours feel the same, so it’s wonderful this hospice will finally provide that option for those who need it during extraordinarily challenging times.”

Sandcastles Children’s Hospice is being funded by the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) and will be operated by WA’s Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS).

Sandcastles, which has been designed to be warm and welcoming, will have seven home-like guest bedrooms, a bereavement suite, three family suites, therapeutic rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and family spaces. It will also provide outreach and family support services for families across WA.

Hannah’s House is working closely with PCHF to deliver family-focused activities and experiences in the hospice.

The hospice, which also provides in-school and in-community support programs, is hosting its annual charity High Tea on Saturday, May 30 at Optus Stadium.

Australian comedian and social media star Tim Collins will MC the afternoon event, while critically acclaimed Kylie impersonator Absolute Kylie will make her debut at the fundraiser.

“The annual Hannah’s House High Tea is all about honouring the very special mums and families who care for children with life-limiting and complex medical conditions,” Hannah’s House chief executive officer Jonine Collins said.

Tickets start from $90, with proceeds to help families, and are available online.