AN extensive refurbishment project at Halton Haven Hospice has been given an unexpected gift.

Crown Paints has donated around 250 litres of paint.

Plans to give the palliative care centre on Barnfield Road in Runcorn a fresh look were launched in June last year.

Chief executive Shaun Pollard said: “While the care provided by the nurses and doctors is second to none, the hospice is at a point where rooms need to be refurbished.”

In total, 21 rooms are being redecorated at the hospice, which was founded 34 years ago to provide care for individuals who have been diagnosed with a limiting or terminal illness.

Jan Gray, family support team manager at hospice, said: “The donation from Crown Paints means we can decorate all of the rooms to give them a fresh new look.

“We have chosen greys and pastel colours in the bedrooms and each room has been named after special flowers, including primrose, forget-me-not and poppy.”

The paint was donated through Nimtech, a social enterprise which works at Crown’s Darwen manufacturing site and Hull plant, overseeing the recycling of paint containers and distribution of unused paint.

David Bowker, director of Nimtech, said: “It’s been lovely helping Halton Haven Hospice.

“Stories such as this one make you realise how powerful it can be when local businesses and organisations come together and work in partnership.”

The work, which is being completed by contractors, local trades people and volunteers, is due to be completed at the end of January.

Jan added: “We’re really grateful for the donation from Crown Paints and David has been great to work with. He even arranged for the paint to be delivered by van to the hospice.

“We just can’t wait until all the work is completed but in order to finish the project we still need wallpaper and furniture.”

Around 200 patients receive round the clock care at the hospice and 48 places are available every week in the day hospice.

As a charity, no charge is made for any services.

Anyone wising to make a donation can contact Jan on 01928 791221 or e-mail jan@haltonhaven.co.uk.