For eight years, Rainbows has been a godsend for Ellie Newey and her family.
The Loughborough hospice has provided a haven for the poorly youngster and much-needed respite for her parents.
Now, thanks to a fund-raising campaign backed by the Leicester Mercury, Rainbows can help even more families like them.
Yesterday, its �4 million extension was officially unveiled by the Duchess of Rutland.
With the new wing, which was completed in September, the hospice can now care for 250 young people, including many more older teenagers and young adults.
It includes a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory room, a family support lounge and 14 bedrooms – some new and others refurbished.
There is a new music therapy room, doctors' consulting areas, library and cinema.
Teresa Newey, 50, of Oadby, and her 13-year-old daughter Ellie were guests of honour.
Ellie has the rare genetic disorder CDKL 5 infantile epilepsy, a recently diagnosed condition, and has been attending the hospice since she was five.
She cannot walk, talk or feed herself and needs round-the-clock care.
Mum Teresa said: "The improvements mean we can leave Ellie in the care of the hospice for 12 nights a year instead of 10.
"The new sensory room is fantastic and the hydrotherapy pool allows her to swim around and be free.
"The hospice is so important to our family. It give us respite as a family and means – just for a few days a year – my husband Martyn and I can treat our other daughter, Hannah, who is 16."
Rainbows' appeal was launched over three years ago.
Alison Cooke, the hospice's director of care, said: "Improvements in medicine and treatments have resulted in young people with serious illnesses living much longer.
"The changes give us a lot more capacity and greater flexibility in the way we use our building.
"Children can stay a lot more nights and we have extra room for their families, too.
"There is also a social area where teenagers can welcome friends and have parties."
The Duchess's son, the Marquis of Granby, 11, unveiled the plaque.
Other guests included snooker legend Willie Thorne.
Geoff Ellis, the charity's chief executive, said: "It was a nice touch. After all, we're all about young people and improving the quality of their lives.
"It's the generosity of the people of the East Midlands that has made our new, improved building possible."
www.rainbows.co.uk
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