The largest single investment in palliative care for children in England has been announced today as part of a £70 million lottery initiative to support people coping with life-limiting illnesses.

The scheme, being funded by the New Opportunities Fund, will ease the burden for carers of all age groups through a combination of home-based care, residential respite and bereavement services for children and adults who have experienced the death of a child.

Forum Response: New Opportunities Fund

Jill Pitkeathley, chairman of the New Opportunities Fund, told ePolitix.com: "This funding is a welcome step forward for palliative care in England and should help ease the burden of care shouldered by carers.

"We will work closely with the hospice movement and others working in palliative care to help focus the money on improving the quality of life for those facing cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing family support."

Forum Response: Macmillan Cancer Relief

Gill Oliver, director of service development at Macmillan Cancer Relief, told ePolitix.com: "Macmillan Cancer Relief welcomes more money being made available from New Opportunities Fund and targeted where there is greatest need. However we feel it is outrageous that it is necessary for Lottery money to be used to fund palliative care services, rather than funded through central government.

"NoF money has already enabled Macmillan to improve access to palliative care for more disadvantaged communities. More specialist palliative care nurses, training for all health care professionals and practical home support - such as carers and befrienders schemes - are all urgently required. Palliative care is an essential part of care for cancer patients and should not be seen as a luxury."