WE were confident. Most hoped for the best. Some feared the worst. But it came as a huge relief to everyone concerned when planning permission was granted for the new children’s hospice on the banks of Loch Lomond.
The decision on Tuesday by the planning committee of the National Park to give the green light to the hospice was fantastic news.
It means CHAS can move ahead with their plans — the first turf will be cut early in the New Year and the doors should open in summer 2004. It is a marvellous moment in our campaign and fitting reward for the efforts of our readers and the hard work of CHAS officials and volunteers.
Although we are the only newspaper campaigning for the new hospice, we were happy to see other publications taking up the cause when planning permission seemed at risk. It showed a strong national will in favour of it being built and undoubtedly added to the pressure on the committee. Every bit of support was welcome.
The tension in Alexandria Parish Church on Tuesday was tangible as the 10 members of the National Park planning committee announced their vote in turn. A vote for, a vote against, another for . . . the strain was almost unbearable. Three hundred people inside the church and tens of thousands more across the country held their breath until a majority in favour was finally called.
Last week we confidently said, “It WILL be built”. Thankfully we have been proved correct.
Huge obstacle overcome
The granting of planning permission means one huge obstacle has been overcome, but there is still much to do.
Our fund-raising must continue to ensure that the money is in place not only to build the new hospice but also to run it to the fantastically high standards set by Rachel House.
The Sunday Post’s army of readers have so far raised more than £1.5 million in just 16 months — an incredible sum. We know you will keep going and we will be doing the same. 
There are 1300 reasons why we must not let up. That’s the number of families in Scotland who could use the services of the hospice and who would benefit directly from the increased capacity a second unit would offer.
The heart-warming and heart-breaking stories we’ve carried since this campaign began will have left you in no doubt how much the children and their families benefit from the care and respite offered by the hospice. There are few causes more deserving of our support and now permission has been given it’s full steam ahead to a better future.