Kathy Secker's daughter pays tribute to her tireless fundraising at Grace House dedication day

The daughter of Grace House founder Kathy Secker has paid tribute to her at a special dedication day at the respite centre.
Sky News presenter Jayne Secker at Grace House in front of the tribute to her mum Kathy.Sky News presenter Jayne Secker at Grace House in front of the tribute to her mum Kathy.
Sky News presenter Jayne Secker at Grace House in front of the tribute to her mum Kathy.

Popular broadcaster Kathy died aged 70 after she had spent 15 years fund-raising to provide specialist care for youngsters with serious illnesses.

Originally intented to be a hospice, Grace House, in Southwick, is now a respite centre which disabled children can spend a number of days at each month.

Grace House founder Kathy Secker.Grace House founder Kathy Secker.
Grace House founder Kathy Secker.
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Kathy's daughter, Sky News presenter Jayne, 43, was at the Faber Road facility to meet with staff as a memorial quotation to her mum was officially unveiled in the reception area of the site, which was recently granted Ofsted approval to start overnight stays to children.

Jayne, who visited with sons Jake, eight, and Seb, five, as well as her brother David, 41, said: "This is the first time that me and my family have been inside the building and it's absolutely fantastic.

"It's great to see all of that hard work being turned into a reality.

"It's going to serve so many children and their families for years to come."

Grace House founder Kathy Secker.Grace House founder Kathy Secker.
Grace House founder Kathy Secker.
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Kathy's efforts to launch the campaign to make Grace House a reality were backed by an Echo appeal.

More than £5.5million has since been raised to create and equip the site.

"It's desperately sad that mum is not here today to see Grace House open," added Jayne.

"She would be so thrilled because as a facility, it is second to none.

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"It's a real comfort to us that there is a place as remarkable as this to remember her by."

Dr Karen Parry, Grace House's chief executive, said: "When Kathy died we felt we needed to organise a dedication day to mark her achievements.

"In years to come, who knows which of us will still be here, so people need to know that Kathy was the driving force behind the place.

"She wouldn't have hated a plaque so we think her words written out was a much better idea."