Parky helps launch £5m hospice appeal

A brave little boy who would have turned 16 last month was on everyone's minds as his mum and Sir Michael Parkinson launched a £5million appeal to build a children's hospice in his memory.

Courageous Fiona Devine stood side by side with Sir Michael today as they kick-started a two year 'capital campaign' to pay for the hospice to be built on donated land at Woodlands Park near Maidenhead.

Windsor resident Fiona, 43, and her husband John, 47, founded the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service five years ago, to build the hospice in memory of their son Alexander, who died in 2006 aged eight.

The little boy's presence could be felt everywhere at the launch.

Fiona said: "In his eight years he inspired so many people. I wonder what sort of young man he would have become. He would have hated the fuss and bother but he would have been proud. This has little to do with me and John and everything to do with him."

For the full story pick up a copy of tomorrow's Express.