A MANCHESTER hospice is today celebrating giving 10 years of compassion and care to terminally ill children.

Since it was opened in 1991 by Princess Diana, Francis House has provided support for more than 500 children.

The Didsbury home, founded by nun Sister Aloysius, has to raise £1.4m a year to stay open.

The fight to secure the hospice's future has been spearheaded by the face of six year old Kirsty Howard whose appeal for £5m to permanently establish Francis House has helped to bring in donations from many people.

Her battle against a serious heart condition has inspired thousands to donate and the appeal currently stands at more than £1m.

A flurry of donations boosted the appeal after Kirsty led David Beckham and the England team on to the pitch for their vital World Cup qualifier against Greece.

And today, to mark the 10-year milestone, the hospice is holding a service of thanksgiving at the UGC Cinema at Parrswood Leisure Complex and throwing open its doors to let people see how their money is spent.

Fundraising campaign coordinator Susie Mathis has thanked the public for their support.

She said: ''If it wasn't for the kindness of the general public the hospice wouldn't have been there for any of the children.''

The thanksgiving service was due to be held at 12.30pm and the hospice was opening its doors from 2pm to 9pm.

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