In the name of John

Mar 29 2007 EXCLUSIVE by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

YOKO ONO is to launch a world-wide foundation for children in memory of John Lennon.

She is travelling from her home in New York to a special event at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in May.

During Ono’s historic visit on May 25, she will outline her vision for the John Lennon Foundation for Child Health. Eventually, the foundation will be housed in its own centre in the grounds of the new hospital planned for adjoining Springfield Park. But its work will start almost immediately after its launch.

The new foundation, the idea of Yoko Ono herself, is being set up at Alder Hey as part of the hospital's Imagine Appeal.

Last night, a spokesman for Yoko Ono told the Daily Post: “It is hoped this vehicle will eventually become a worldwide network focusing on health and well-being for all children once it has been established in John Lennon's home city.

“There is so much work going on at the hospital, including vital research work, and this will bring everything under one umbrella as the John Lennon Foundation.”

The launch of the John Lennon Foundation is the first major event for Imagine, the charity Yoko Ono launched in October 2005.

It was created to help Alder Hey continue its pioneering work to provide family-focused care for around 200,000 young patients every year.

Yoko Ono said: “What is happening with the whole Imagine appeal is really very exciting and I hope the Imagine White Ball will be the first of many fantastic events, all of which have one fundamental goal, to help children everywhere.”

Alder Hey, Europe's largest children’s hospital, is responsible for the health of more children than any other hospital in the UK.

Last night a spokeswoman at Alder Hey said: “We are thrilled that Yoko Ono will personally launch the John Lennon Foundation for Child Health.

“The Imagine appeal which she also launched in October 2005 is helping the hospital continue our pioneering work, develop facilities, research medical conditions that affect children and provide vital medical equipment.”